MT Vape Detection
Overview
Vaping has become an epidemic, particularly among adolescents. More than 2.5 million youths reported e-cigarette use in 2022. E-cigarettes are handheld devices that heat a liquid - usually containing nicotine and other toxins - to produce an aerosol that users inhale. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the mid-twenties.
Cisco Meraki offers a solution that helps schools detect the aerosol produced by vapes. Indoor air quality sensors such as the MT14 and MT15 can detect airborne chemicals in real time. The sensors measure levels of PM 2.5, a compound present in vape aerosol, so school staff can identify vaping activity and prevent students from harming their health.
Sampling frequency
The MT15 gathers one PM 2.5 reading per second in default sampling mode. The MT14 gathers one PM 2.5 reading per second in high sampling mode, and one reading every five minutes in default sampling mode.
For more information, refer to the article MT14 High Sampling Mode.
Installation and mounting recommendations for vape detection
Follow the recommendations below when installing an MT sensor for vape detection.
- Install the MT sensor 8 to 10 feet high on the wall to increase sensor reading sensitivity and to reduce the likelihood of tampering. Orient the vents facing downward.
- Ensure external power (AC power or PoE) is available at the desired location.
- Position a compatible gateway (MV smart camera or MR access point) within range of the sensor. The optimum range is 15 feet (~4.5 meters). The RSSI from the sensor to the closest gateway should be equal to or greater than -80 dBm (lower negative values are greater in strength).
- Do not place the MT sensor near an inlet or outlet airflow vent, as room airflow and sensor placement can affect detection efficacy.
The typical effective coverage area for an MT sensor in high sampling mode is an 8-foot radius from the wall, with the sensor at a height of 8 feet. This translates to roughly 100 square feet of circular area with the sensor at the center.
The ability of a sensor to detect vape is influenced by factors such as room size, proximity of the sensor to the vaping source, and the direction, speed, and volume of airflow in the room. Because vape vapor is an aerosol that spreads by diffusion, it can dissipate quickly. Additional sensors may be required to cover dead zones.
Preventing tampering and vandalism
To prevent vandalism, screw the MT mount plate into the wall and engage the security anchor screw (T6) on the MT body to the mount plate. Enable Default Status Alerts so administrators receive an alert when the MT sensor disconnects from persistent power.
Configuring alerts for vape detection
The MT sensor uses PM 2.5 levels to potentially indicate the presence of vape smoke. The MT sensor cannot isolate e-cigarette fumes from other PM 2.5 sources, which can include smoke, automobile emissions, construction sites, and industrial facilities. See Alert profiles for more information.
The Meraki dashboard provides a default Potential Vape Detection alert profile that administrators can enable and apply to an MT14 or MT15 sensor. The default alert is pre-populated with a threshold of 80 µg/m³. Administrators can adjust this threshold to account for installation and environmental differences.
For an example of the setup process for a vape detection alert profile, see this video.
Testing and fine-tuning vape detection alerts
Conduct the following two tests in the order shown to confirm that the MT sensor is working properly for vape detection. Enable the default vape detection alert, and enable high sampling mode for MT14 sensors, before beginning.
- Close-range test: Blow vape fumes directly onto the sensor from a distance of a few inches. If the alert is received, the PM 2.5 detection and alert profile is working properly. If the alert is not received, there is an issue with the setup — review Installation and mounting recommendations for vape detection.
- Extended-range test: Blow vape fumes from approximately 4 feet away from the sensor. If the default vape detection alert is received, the alert thresholds are set at an adequate level for the environment. If the alert is not received, lower the alerting threshold to increase sensitivity.
Troubleshooting vape detection alerts
If the MT sensor does not detect increases in PM 2.5 levels or trigger alerts, perform the following steps:
- Update the firmware to the latest stable release for the MT sensor and the MR access point or MV smart camera gateway.
- Confirm that high sampling mode is enabled if an MT14 sensor is in use.
- Test different alert thresholds for the environment. For example, if a threshold of 80 µg/m³ PM 2.5 does not trigger an alert when vape fumes are present, try a lower threshold such as 70 or 60 µg/m³.
Video footage alerts when vape is detected
Sensor Sight sends a text message, email, or webhook notification when vape is detected. The notification contains a link to a timestamped MV smart camera feed at the time vape was detected, enabling quick navigation to the footage at the specific time of the event.
To enable Sensor Sight, navigate to Assign Camera on the Sensor Details page:
Select the desired camera and save the changes:
