Verkada SV11 Environmental Sensor User Guide
- June 4, 2024
- Verkada
Table of Contents
SV11 Environmental Sensor
User Guide for Vaping & Smoking Detection
SV11 Environmental Sensor
Overview
Verkada’s SV11 is an all-in-one sensor for monitoring environmental changes in your physical space. With a collection of unique embedded sensors, the SV11 simultaneously measures air quality, temperature, humidity, motion, and noise. Each SV11 device can be managed from Verkada’s web-based Command platform. Users can configure the device to display which sensor data they wish to monitor, as well as set custom alerts for when certain thresholds are exceeded. Users receive alert notifications in real-time, allowing for fast and proactive responses.
Vape Index
How It Works
Verkada’s SV11 uses multiple onboard sensors to detect and measure vapring
events. Combined, these sensor readings output Verkada’s Vape Index, which
determines the likeliness of vaping/smoking occuring on a scale of 1-100.
The Vape Index takes several environmental changes into consideration,
including increases in TVOC, PM2.5, and motion to determine if a person is
present.
Vape Index
Verkada’s Vape Index is a score derived from multiple sensors that is strongly correlated with vaping and/or smoking activity. Vape Index measurements outside of the green zone indicate suspected vaping/smoking activity, but could also reflect smoke or fumes from other sources. Smoke from cooking, burning fuel or wildfires may register highly on the Vape Index.
Will the Vape Index only detect vaping events?
While the Vape Index is designed to ignore cleaning products and common
aerosols used in bathrooms, some ne particles and fumes may mimic the chemical
signature of vaping/ smoking and trigger false positives. Alternative sources
of particulates in the air, such as cooking, exhaust, or wild res, may
increase the Vape Index score.
For this reason, the Vape Index should only be enabled in areas more prone to
vaping (restrooms, classrooms, hallways, hotel rooms) and not in spaces where
common events could cause a false positive (kitchens, manufacturing floors).
Additionally, users are encouraged to link a camera with each sensor,
providing visibility and context into events taking place to investigate what
triggered an increase in the Vape Index reading.
Platform Overview
Sensors are managed, configured, and monitored through Verkada’s web-based Command platform.
Native Video Integration
From Command, sensors can be paired with a Verkada camera to gain greater
visibility of what occurred at a given event. This integration is made
possible through Verkada’s all-in-one platform, enabling users to effortlessly
add cameras without additional software or configurations.
Set Up: Alerts
Set Custom Thresholds
After clicking on a site from the main Sensor page, select the Vape Index
button across the top. Then click the red rectangle that says “Alert set at”
or “Set alert”. From there, users can customize the threshold at which they
want to receive an alert. Users can choose any number from 1-100 on the Vape
Index Scale.
Notify Users
Once a threshold is set, administrators can set which users should receive
alerts. These users will need to have an account in Command. When a threshold
is met, the predetermined users will receive an alert to take action.
Manage Alert Settings
For each user, set the days of the week and hours for when an alert can be
set. Custom alerts are ideal for teams that work on different schedules, or to
reduce unncessary notifications on weekends or after work hours.
Set Up: Mounting
Mounting Location
For detecting vaping and smoking events, it is recommended to have the SV11
mounted from the ceiling directly above the area where smoking is likely to
occur. For best results, the SV11 should be placed 8 feet from the ground.
What to Avoid
Since particles and chemicals in the air must come into contact with the SV11
to be detected, it is important to keep the device away from sources of
accelerated airflow. Doing so will ensure the air diffuses normally into the
device.
Testing Your Sensor
- Light a match near likely vape location and let the smoke blow up into the sensor.
- Look at the Vape Index reading in the Verkada Command platform.
- Set your SV11’s Vape Index threshold below that number for best results.
Use Cases
Private Areas
A key area where vaping and smoking often occurs is in spaces like restrooms
and locker rooms. This is especially the case for schools, where students will
vape discreetly in places like bathroom stalls.
To ensure privacy, cameras should be placed outside of these areas and
positioned at a point of entry. When reviewing events, this will allow users
to see who came and went during an incident.
Public Areas
For non–private areas, such as classrooms, hallways, or open spaces, users may
place sensors and cameras in the same area at their discretion. For the best
context and visibility, have cameras positioned towards areas of interest.
This can include directly where the sensor is and where vaping/smoking
behavior is likely to occur.
Disclaimer on Investigations
The SV11 Vape Index measures air quality events indicative of vaping and smoking, but cannot provide proof of a vaping incident. Administrators should use the SV11 Vape Index and Verkada camera integration to help with investigations and monitor vaping activity and patterns, but use searches for physical evidence as to the basis for further disciplinary/legal actions.
About Verkada
Verkada brings the ease of use that consumer security solutions provide, to
the levels of scale and protection that businesses and organizations require.
By building high-end hardware on an intuitive, cloud-based software platform,
modern enterprises are able to run safer, smarter buildings across all of
their locations.
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