For more information on the technology of detecting vaping and our philosophy on alerting, please check out this guide:
Triton Sensors Vape Detection Technology: Operational Reference Guide and FAQsOur vape detection algorithms are trained on thousands of real-world vaping events. They are built to detect how students and others actually vape in bathrooms, not artificial “tests.”
When attempting to test the devices many users will blow vape directly into the sensor which overwhelms the device and often creates a masking event, don't take into account the cooldown timer or operating area, or emit only a small amount of vapor that cannot be reasonably picked up by the sensor.
These "tests" produce inconsistent results that make the sensor appear less effective than it actually is.
For these reasons, we strongly recommend against attempting to manually trigger vape detection during installation or commissioning.
But if you want to test, please follow this video guide and the instructions below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
Warm-up Period: Allow the device to boot and stabilize for 15–20 minutes before testing.
The "Cool Down" Rule: There is a built-in 15-minute lockout between alerts for vaping and masking. If the sensor just triggered for either of these metrics, it will not alert again until the air has cleared and the timer resets.
Range Awareness: Coverage is typically 12ft x 12ft at an 8.5ft ceiling height. For every 1ft of additional height, range decreases by 2ft in all directions. The maximum height we recommend is 11-12 feet, after this there is too much space for the smoke to dissipate before it reaches the sensor. Extension poles are offered to lower the device and installation on walls is possible too.*
*Wall installation should only be done in scenarios with extremely high ceilings where a mounting pole isn't an option. Mounting the device on the wall will limit the effective coverage area by about half and also will impact the accuracy of the people counting and loitering features.
To see the results in real-time, log into your Cloud or On-Prem dashboard.
Visual/Audio Verification: Create a visual/auditory alert to verify when an event has tripped.
On-prem dashboard (log in to IP address): go to actions --> action settings to set this up.
Triton Cloud: ensure the alert slider for vaping is turned on and add users to get alerts and configure the Speaker and Light.
Check History: If a test fails, check the "History" tab to see if the event was flagged as "Masking" (usually caused by blowing too directly into the unit).
Step 1: Use a disposable vape. If you don't want to inhale, you can blow into the air intake hole at the bottom of most disposables to force vapor out of the mouthpiece.
Step 2: Stand 2–3 feet away from the sensor.
Step 3: Blow a significant cloud toward the sensor, but do not blow directly into the sensor.
Step 4: Be patient. It takes time for the vapor to travel through the air and for the algorithm to process the data. You can see the values start to change on the device dashboard. Once the values change, the device will process the vape through the algorithm and determine to trigger an alert.
By design, Triton Sensors are set to be somewhat unsensitive out of the gate.
The "Grace Period": We find that during the first two weeks, customers are often surprised by the volume of alerts. We keep sensitivity moderate initially so you aren't inundated while you're still adjusting your response protocols.
Custom Tuning: Every environment is different. If you find the sensors aren't catching enough activity for your specific needs, we can adjust your sensitivity remotely. Just reach out to our support team, and we can fine-tune your devices to your facility's requirements.
Issue | Likely Cause |
No Alert | Device is in the 15-minute cool-down period. |
No Alert | Not enough vapor was used to trigger the threshold. |
"Masking" Error | Vapor or air was blown too hard/directly into the sensor. |
Slow Response | Natural air currents are moving the vapor away from the intake. |
No Text/Email Alert | Alerting Schedule: For Cloud customers, alerts are often set by default to Weekdays, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. If you are testing after hours or on a weekend, the system will suppress the notification. |
When installed according to specifications (height of 8.5–9 ft, away from vents or strong air currents, within recommended coverage area), the sensors deliver excellent results.
Devices are intentionally calibrated not to be overly sensitive, avoiding nuisance alerts while still reliably detecting vaping events.
If you would like your sensors to be more sensitive, we can absolutely adjust that for you. Just reach out to [email protected].
Trust the Placement Guide
Following the height, coverage, and location guidelines ensures optimal performance.
Use Triton Cloud
Triton Cloud provides real-time alerts, simplified troubleshooting, and reporting that validates performance.
Allow Time for Real Use
The most accurate “test” is when offenders are actually vaping in the building.
Review Reports, Not Forced Tests
Use Triton Cloud reports to identify hotspots, time-of-day patterns, and alert history. This provides far more useful proof of performance than artificial testing.