Forensics Detectors FD-VAPE-WALL Vape Detector – Wi-Fi Smartphone Alerts and PM2.5 Laser Scattering Sensor

Product Overview

The Forensics Detectors FD-VAPE-WALL is a wall- or ceiling-mounted particulate detector designed to identify airborne particles associated with vaping, e-cigarette use, smoke, and similar aerosol-producing activities. The configuration associated with ASIN B0C166QMDQ is identified by model and manufacturer part number FD-VAPE-WALL, UPC 767461809114, and GTIN-12 767461809114.

The detector uses a PM2.5 laser-scattering particulate sensor and checks airborne particle levels at five-second intervals. It also incorporates temperature and humidity sensing. The unit communicates with a smartphone through the Tuya Smart platform, using Bluetooth during setup and Wi-Fi for ongoing communication and alert delivery. Alarm thresholds can be configured according to the background particulate level of the installation area.

The detector is powered continuously through a 5-volt micro-USB connection and is intended for indoor locations such as schools, restrooms, hospitality facilities, rental properties, offices, and other enclosed spaces. Installation location strongly affects detection performance. Ventilation, open windows, showers, fans, and other sources of airborne particles can dilute vaping aerosols or create false alarms. The device is therefore a particulate-based vaping detector rather than a chemical analyzer that identifies a specific vape ingredient.

Product Information

Identification

Physical

Product Identifier Summary

The FD-VAPE-WALL model number is the primary manufacturer identifier for this detector. It distinguishes the wall-mounted vaping detector from other gas, smoke, and air-quality instruments sold by Forensics Detectors.

• Model Number: FD-VAPE-WALL identifies the specific wall-mounted vape-detection product.
• MPN: FD-VAPE-WALL is also used as the manufacturer part number.
• UPC: UPC 767461809114 identifies the retail configuration.
• EAN: No separately verified EAN is included.
• GTIN: The verified UPC functions as a GTIN-12.
• ASIN: B0C166QMDQ identifies the catalog record associated with this configuration.
• ISBN: ISBN identifiers apply to publications and are not applicable to electronic detectors.

Common Uses

The FD-VAPE-WALL is designed for continuous particulate monitoring in indoor areas where vaping or smoking may occur without direct supervision.

• School restrooms.
• K-12 facilities.
• Locker areas.
• Business premises.
• Office restrooms.
• Hotels and hospitality facilities.
• Rental properties.
• Residential properties.
• Indoor areas where vaping restrictions are enforced.
• Confined spaces where airborne vaping particles can accumulate.
• Monitoring particulate events associated with vaping or smoking.

Maintenance & Care

The detector depends on unobstructed airflow through its particulate-sensing openings. Dust buildup, blocked vents, poor placement, or loss of network connectivity can affect operation.

• Keep the detector vents unobstructed.
• Remove visible surface dust with a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not immerse the detector in water.
• Do not spray cleaning liquids directly into the sensor openings.
• Inspect the USB power connection periodically.
• Confirm that the unit remains connected to the configured Wi-Fi network.
• Perform periodic mock vape or smoke tests according to manufacturer guidance to confirm alert operation.
• Review baseline particulate levels when the environment changes.
• Adjust notification thresholds when repeated environmental false alarms occur.
• Do not disassemble or modify the detector.

Safety Information

• The FD-VAPE-WALL is a particulate-monitoring device and should not be treated as a replacement for required fire or life-safety smoke alarms.
• Do not rely on the detector as the sole method of determining whether vaping has occurred.
• Steam, dust, smoke, aerosols, and other airborne particles can affect PM2.5 readings.
• Do not install the detector immediately beside showers because humidity and steam can cause false alarms.
• Keep the unit away from direct ventilation openings, fans, windows, and outside-air sources.
• Do not obstruct the detector’s ventilation openings.
• Disconnect power before handling electrical connections or relocating the unit.
• Check for hidden electrical wiring and plumbing before drilling mounting holes.
• Do not operate a damaged USB charger or cable.
• Tampering with or opening the detector can invalidate manufacturer warranty coverage.

Technical Specifications

PM2.5 Laser Scattering Sensor

The detector uses optical laser-scattering technology to measure airborne fine particles. A light source illuminates particles moving through the sensing chamber, and the detector estimates particulate concentration from the scattered light.

The sensor reports PM2.5 concentration rather than directly identifying nicotine, THC, flavoring chemicals, or another specific substance. Vaping can create fine airborne aerosol particles that increase the PM2.5 reading, allowing the device to infer a possible vaping event when readings rise above a configured baseline.

Vape Detection Method

The detector monitors changes in airborne particulate levels rather than chemically confirming a vape product. A vaping event can produce a rapid increase in fine particles that the sensor detects within its monitoring interval.

Because other activities can also create airborne particles, alarm thresholds should be established after observing the normal background level of the installation area. The manufacturer recommends collecting baseline information before relying on automated alerts.

Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

In addition to PM2.5 particles, the device measures temperature and relative humidity. These readings can help users understand the environment around the detector and identify conditions that may affect particulate monitoring.

Humidity is especially relevant because steam and high-moisture conditions can influence optical particle sensors. Bathrooms containing showers can therefore be unsuitable installation locations unless the detector is positioned carefully.

Smartphone Alerts

The detector uses the Tuya Smart application for configuration and notifications. Bluetooth is used during initial pairing, while Wi-Fi provides ongoing communication between the detector and the cloud-connected application.

Users can create automated alert rules based on PM2.5 thresholds. When a configured threshold is exceeded, the application can generate a smartphone notification.

Alarm Threshold Configuration

There is no single PM2.5 alarm threshold that is appropriate for every location. Background dust, ventilation, cleaning activity, aerosols, and other environmental factors affect normal readings.

The manufacturer recommends allowing the detector to operate for approximately 24 hours after installation to observe baseline particulate behavior. Thresholds can then be established above the normal background range and adjusted if repeated false alerts occur.

Data Logging

The system samples PM2.5 measurements approximately every five seconds. Supported application data is stored as hourly averaged information rather than as a permanent five-second-resolution forensic record.

Hourly averaging can help establish normal environmental particulate levels, but short vaping events may appear differently in historical charts than in real-time alert behavior.

Installation Location

Placement is a major factor in vape-detector performance. The device must be positioned where aerosol from suspected vaping can reach the sensor before being diluted or removed by ventilation.

• Install close to areas where vaping is most likely to occur.
• Avoid placement immediately beside air vents.
• Avoid ceiling fans and strong moving air.
• Avoid windows and doors that introduce outside air.
• Do not install in dead-air ceiling spaces.
• Keep furniture, curtains, and other objects away from sensor openings.
• Avoid areas immediately exposed to shower steam.
• Consider mounting above restroom stalls when appropriate.

Ventilation Effects

Strong ventilation can reduce detection effectiveness by dispersing vape aerosol before the particles reach the sensor. Open windows, exhaust systems, fans, and forced-air vents can all reduce local particulate concentration.

Users attempting to avoid detection may also exhale into toilets, filters, bags, or other locations that reduce the amount of aerosol entering the room. No particulate detector can guarantee detection under every behavior or ventilation condition.

Mounting System

The detector attaches to a mounting plate secured to a wall or ceiling. The supplied hardware includes screws and expansion anchors for suitable surfaces.

Before drilling, the installer should confirm that no electrical wires, water lines, or other utilities are located behind the mounting point. The manufacturer also recommends considering conduit or another method of protecting the power cable in areas where tampering is possible.

Power System

The FD-VAPE-WALL requires continuous 5-volt USB power for normal operation. It does not rely on a replaceable battery for primary operation.

Disconnecting the USB power turns the detector off. When power is restored, the unit is designed to reconnect to its previously configured network and resume operation when network settings remain available.

Product History

The FD-VAPE-WALL was documented by Forensics Detectors in 2023 as a wall-mounted particulate detector for locations where vaping activity may need to be monitored. It combines particulate sensing with smartphone connectivity rather than using a traditional standalone audible smoke-alarm design.

The product is part of a broader Forensics Detectors product portfolio that includes air-quality monitors and gas-detection instruments. The FD-VAPE-WALL is specifically focused on aerosol and fine-particle events associated with vaping and smoking.

No verified successor model or formal revision history for the FD-VAPE-WALL is included because a documented manufacturer chronology beyond the original model could not be established.

Key Features

• PM2.5 laser-scattering sensor.
• Five-second particulate monitoring interval.
• 0–999 µg/m³ PM2.5 measurement range.
• Temperature sensing.
• Humidity sensing.
• Smartphone notification support.
• Tuya Smart application integration.
• Bluetooth-assisted setup.
• Wi-Fi communication.
• User-configurable alarm thresholds.
• Hourly averaged data history.
• Wall or ceiling mounting.
• Continuous 5 V USB power.
• Designed for indoor vaping and smoke particulate monitoring.
• One-year limited manufacturer warranty.

Package Contents

• One Forensics Detectors FD-VAPE-WALL vape detector.
• Two mini mounting bolts.
• One mounting plate.
• Two mounting screws.
• Mounting hardware.
• One micro-USB power cable.
• One USB power adapter.
• User documentation.

Compatibility

The FD-VAPE-WALL depends on smartphone and wireless-network connectivity for remote notifications and application configuration.

• Compatible with supported iPhone devices running the Tuya Smart application.
• Compatible with supported Android devices running the Tuya Smart application.
• Requires Bluetooth during initial setup.
• Requires a compatible Wi-Fi network for ongoing communication.
• Requires continuous 5 V USB power.
• Can be wall mounted.
• Can be ceiling mounted.
• Does not require a proprietary central control panel.
• Does not replace building-code-required fire alarms.
• Does not chemically identify specific vape substances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product is B0C166QMDQ?

B0C166QMDQ identifies the Forensics Detectors FD-VAPE-WALL wall-mounted vape and particulate detector.

What is the model number?

The model number is FD-VAPE-WALL.

What is the manufacturer part number?

The manufacturer uses FD-VAPE-WALL as the part number.

What is the UPC?

The verified UPC is 767461809114.

What does the detector detect?

It detects airborne PM2.5 particles that can be produced by vaping, e-cigarettes, smoking, and other aerosol or smoke sources.

Does it detect nicotine directly?

No. It measures airborne particles rather than performing a chemical analysis for nicotine.

Does it detect THC directly?

No. The sensor does not chemically identify THC.

Can it detect marijuana smoke?

Smoke from combustion can increase airborne particulate levels and may trigger the PM2.5 sensor, but the detector does not chemically identify marijuana.

Can it detect e-cigarette vapor?

Yes. The product is designed to detect fine particles associated with e-cigarette and vape aerosols when sufficient aerosol reaches the sensor.

What type of sensor does it use?

It uses a PM2.5 laser-scattering particulate sensor.

What is PM2.5?

PM2.5 refers to fine airborne particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters generally at or below 2.5 micrometers.

What is the PM2.5 detection range?

The documented range is 0 to 999 micrograms per cubic meter.

How often does it check PM2.5?

The detector checks PM2.5 approximately every five seconds.

How quickly can it respond?

The documented PM2.5 response time is five seconds.

Does it measure temperature?

Yes. Temperature monitoring is included.

What temperature range does it measure?

The documented temperature detection range is 32°F to 140°F.

Does it measure humidity?

Yes. Relative humidity monitoring is included.

What humidity range does it measure?

The documented sensor range is 0 to 100% relative humidity.

Can humidity create false alarms?

High humidity, steam, and airborne droplets can affect optical particulate sensors and may contribute to false alerts.

Can it be installed in a bathroom?

Yes, but installation near showers or other heavy steam sources should be avoided because steam can trigger the particulate sensor.

Can it be installed in a school restroom?

Yes. School restrooms are one of the documented intended applications.

Can it be used in a hotel?

Yes. Hospitality facilities are among the documented applications.

Can a landlord use it in a rental property?

The device is marketed for rental-property monitoring, but installation and monitoring must comply with applicable privacy, lease, building, and local legal requirements.

Can it be used at home?

Yes. Residential monitoring is included among the stated applications.

Does it have a built-in audible siren?

The product primarily relies on visual status indication and smartphone notifications rather than functioning like a conventional audible smoke alarm.

How are alerts sent?

Configured alerts are delivered through the Tuya Smart application over the detector’s Wi-Fi connection.

Does it send text messages?

The Tuya platform may offer optional SMS or calling functions, but those services can involve additional costs and are not directly supported by Forensics Detectors.

Does the detector require an app?

The Tuya Smart app is required for smartphone setup, monitoring, and remote alert configuration.

Does it work with iPhone?

Yes. The documented application supports compatible iPhones.

Does it work with Android?

Yes. The documented application supports compatible Android smartphones.

Does it require Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is used during initial setup and pairing.

Does it require Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is required for ongoing smart communication and remote notifications.

Will it work if Wi-Fi goes down?

The sensor may remain powered, but remote app communication and cloud-based alerts depend on network connectivity.

Does it store readings?

Supported app functions store particulate data as hourly averages.

Does it save every five-second reading?

The manual describes five-second real-time detection but hourly averaged data storage. It should not be assumed that every five-second value is permanently retained.

Can the alarm threshold be changed?

Yes. Users can configure threshold-based automation rules in the Tuya Smart application.

What PM2.5 threshold should be used?

There is no universal threshold. The appropriate setting depends on the normal background particulate level at the installation site.

How should the threshold be established?

The manufacturer recommends observing approximately 24 hours of baseline data and then setting the alarm above the normal background range.

Can cooking smoke trigger the detector?

Yes. Cooking smoke and other fine particles can raise PM2.5 readings if they reach the sensor.

Can dust trigger the detector?

Yes. High airborne dust concentration can affect a particulate sensor.

Can aerosol sprays trigger it?

Some aerosol products can create airborne particles or droplets that may influence readings.

Can steam trigger the detector?

Yes. Steam is a known potential false-alarm source for optical particle sensors.

Can cigarette smoke trigger it?

Yes. Cigarette smoke contains airborne particulate matter that can produce elevated readings.

Can incense trigger it?

Incense smoke generates fine particles and may trigger a PM2.5-based detector.

Does an alarm prove someone was vaping?

No. An alarm indicates that the configured particulate threshold was exceeded. Other aerosol or smoke sources can produce similar readings.

Can someone avoid detection?

Detection cannot be guaranteed under every condition. Strong ventilation, filters, exhaling into enclosed locations, or preventing aerosol from reaching the detector can reduce sensor response.

Where should the detector be mounted?

It should be mounted near the area where suspected vaping is likely while remaining away from strong ventilation, windows, fans, and steam sources.

Can it be mounted on a wall?

Yes. Wall installation is supported.

Can it be mounted on a ceiling?

Yes. Ceiling installation is supported.

Should it be installed beside an air vent?

No. Manufacturer guidance states that installation near ventilation openings should be avoided.

How far should it be from ventilation?

The manual advises against installing the detector within approximately four feet of vents, flues, or forced or unforced ventilation openings.

Can it be mounted near a ceiling fan?

No. Strong airflow can dilute particles and reduce detection reliability.

Can furniture block the detector?

Yes. Furniture, curtains, and other objects should not obstruct airflow to the sensing vents.

Can it be placed in a dead-air corner?

Dead-air areas are discouraged because airborne particles may not move efficiently toward the sensor.

How large an area can one unit monitor?

Public product guidance commonly identifies approximately 200 to 300 square feet per detector as a planning estimate. Actual effectiveness depends heavily on room shape, ventilation, mounting position, and airflow.

Does a larger room always need more detectors?

Possibly. Large or divided areas may require multiple units because particulate concentration and airflow vary throughout a space.

How is the detector powered?

It uses continuous 5-volt DC power through a micro-USB cable and USB power adapter.

Does it use batteries?

No replaceable battery is documented as the primary power source.

What happens if someone disconnects the power cable?

The detector turns off and cannot monitor particles or transmit alerts while unpowered.

Can the power cable be protected against tampering?

The manufacturer suggests using conduit or another physical cable-protection method where vandalism or tampering is a concern.

Does it reconnect after a power outage?

The device is designed to reconnect automatically after power is restored when its saved network remains available.

How large is the detector?

The documented dimensions are 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches.

How much does it weigh?

The documented detector weight is approximately 0.7 pound, or 11.2 ounces.

How large is the package?

The documented box dimensions are approximately 11 x 6 x 3 inches.

Does installation require drilling?

The supplied mounting system uses screws and wall anchors, so drilling is normally required for permanent wall or ceiling mounting.

What size drill bit is documented?

The installation manual specifies a 5 mm drill bit for the supplied expansion-anchor installation procedure.

Should wiring be checked before drilling?

Yes. The installer should verify that electrical wires or plumbing are not located behind the mounting surface.

Can it sit on a desk instead of being mounted?

The product is designed primarily for wall or ceiling installation. Mounting provides a more predictable airflow position and can reduce tampering.

Does it replace a smoke detector?

No. It should not replace required fire-detection or life-safety smoke alarms.

Is it a carbon monoxide detector?

No. No carbon monoxide sensor is documented for the FD-VAPE-WALL.

Does it detect carbon dioxide?

No dedicated carbon dioxide sensor is documented.

Does it detect natural gas?

No combustible-gas sensor is documented.

Does it detect VOCs?

No dedicated volatile-organic-compound sensor is documented.

Can it identify which person was vaping?

No. The detector identifies changes in environmental particle levels rather than identifying individuals.

Does it contain a camera?

No camera is documented.

Does it contain a microphone?

No microphone-based monitoring feature is documented.

Does it record conversations?

No audio-recording functionality is documented.

Can it determine what brand of vape was used?

No. The PM2.5 sensor does not identify vape brands or liquid formulations.

Can it tell whether a vape contains nicotine?

No. Chemical nicotine identification is outside the device’s documented sensing capability.

Can it tell whether cannabis was used?

No. It cannot chemically distinguish cannabis aerosol from other particulate sources.

How can the detector be tested?

The manufacturer recommends performing a controlled mock vaping or smoke event after setup to confirm that the detector responds and smartphone notifications are configured correctly.

Should testing be repeated?

Periodic operational testing can help confirm that power, network connectivity, sensor response, and alerts remain functional.

Can the detector be calibrated?

The manual emphasizes establishing an environmental baseline and configuring the alarm threshold rather than describing a user-performed sensor calibration procedure.

What is the operating temperature?

The documented working range is 32°F to 140°F.

Can it be installed below freezing?

No. The documented operating range begins at 32°F.

Can it be installed outdoors?

The product is designed for controlled indoor environments and should not be treated as an outdoor weatherproof detector.

What warranty applies?

The manufacturer documents a one-year limited warranty subject to its applicable terms and exclusions.

What can void the warranty?

Disassembly, tampering, misuse, abuse, accidents, lack of reasonable care, and use outside documented instructions can affect warranty coverage.

Can the detector be repaired by the user?

The manufacturer states that the product is not user-repairable and that tampering can invalidate the warranty.

Buying Considerations

The FD-VAPE-WALL detects fine particles rather than specific vape chemicals. Its usefulness therefore depends heavily on correct installation, threshold configuration, network reliability, and understanding potential false-alarm sources.

• Confirm model and MPN FD-VAPE-WALL when identifying B0C166QMDQ.
• Confirm UPC 767461809114 for the documented configuration.
• Plan for continuous 5 V USB power.
• Ensure reliable Wi-Fi coverage at the installation location.
• Use Bluetooth during the initial smartphone setup.
• Establish the normal PM2.5 baseline before setting alarm thresholds.
• Avoid mounting near showers, fans, vents, windows, or outside-air sources.
• Consider multiple detectors in large or divided spaces.
• Protect the power cable where tampering is possible.
• Understand that cooking smoke, dust, sprays, incense, or steam can affect readings.
• Do not interpret an alert as chemical proof of vaping.
• Do not substitute this device for legally required smoke, fire, or carbon-monoxide alarms.

Customer Feedback Summary

This section is a generalized summary of recurring public feedback concerning the FD-VAPE-WALL and is not a source of verified technical specifications.

Positive feedback commonly focuses on the ability to receive smartphone notifications without installing a separate proprietary central alarm panel. Users who successfully configure the network and Tuya Smart application often view remote alerts as the detector’s most useful feature.

The sensitivity of the PM2.5 sensor is another recurring theme. Users report that the device can react quickly to visible vape aerosol or smoke when the detector is installed close enough to the source and room ventilation does not disperse the particles too rapidly.

Reported limitations commonly involve false alerts from non-vaping particulate sources. Steam, dust, sprays, smoke, and other aerosols can raise PM2.5 levels because the device measures airborne particles rather than a vape-specific chemical marker.

Setup and threshold adjustment also receive mixed feedback. Some users find the app-based configuration straightforward, while others report that establishing an appropriate baseline requires experimentation. Locations with changing ventilation or background particle levels can require additional threshold adjustments.

Another practical limitation is the need for continuous power and wireless connectivity. If the USB connection is disconnected or the Wi-Fi network becomes unavailable, remote monitoring and notifications can be interrupted.

Related Products

• Forensics Detectors particulate monitors.
• Forensics Detectors indoor air-quality monitors.
• Forensics Detectors carbon dioxide monitors.
• Wall-mounted PM2.5 monitors.
• Wi-Fi indoor air-quality sensors.
• Commercial vape-detection systems.
• School restroom vape detectors.
• Standalone particulate data loggers.
• Traditional photoelectric smoke alarms.
• Indoor temperature and humidity monitors.

Last Updated

August 11, 2026