Carbon Monoxide Detectors Required

in Residential Properties March 31, 2006

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Chief Keith Hoyle wish to inform residents that as of March 31, 2006, carbon monoxide alarms are required in all residences with potential sources of carbon monoxide.  The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations recently passed emergency regulations to implement the law known as “Nicole’s Law”.

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said, “Each year we see the devastating effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Many of these incidents are avoidable with early detection and warning as provided through this new law.”

Carbon monoxide is associated with 500 unintentional non-fire-related deaths each year.  Approximately 60 percent of these deaths are from motor vehicle exhaust, and approximately 40 percent are associated with consumer products.  Several incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning have been the result of equipment failures, poor maintenance or problems with venting of appliances.

Consumer Information

The Department of Fire Services has prepared A Consumer’s Guide to Requirements for Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarms. This guide and information about the regulations can be obtained at either Central or North fire station or on the DFS website.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also has information in both English and Spanish on common sources of carbon monoxide in the home and recognizing the symptoms of CO poisoning in a pamphlet called The Invisible Killer

General Requirements

For most residential buildings with fossil fuel burning equipment or enclosed parking areas, the new regulations require carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home or dwelling unit including habitable portions of basements and attics and within ten feet of the bedroom doors.

The majority of homes will not be required to install hard-wired systems, however where hard-wired systems are required by regulation, the deadline is January 1, 2007.

Principles for location, one and two family dwelling units

The new regulations require carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home or dwelling unit including habitable portions of basements and attics.  On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors.

The recommended locations of carbon monoxide detectors should consider:

·          Sources of carbon monoxide

·          Areas of collection/concentration of carbon monoxide

·          Areas near where people are likely to sleep.

·          Areas of potential carbon monoxide concentration where people will remain for extended periods of time

·          Detectors must be located away from areas of high humidity

·          Detectors must be located so furniture or draperies do not interfere with air flow to the detector

·          Detectors must be located away from air conditioners, supply air registers or other ventilation that might interfere with air entering the detector

·          Detectors must be located away interferences such as electronic remote controls, fluorescent lights

·          Detectors must be not closer than 15-25 feet from a fuel burning appliance.  Detectors exposed to frequent small amounts of carbon monoxide tend to fail prematurely.

·          Detectors must be a fixed installation, securely mounted to the wall or ceiling

·          Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be the installation requirements for both types of detectors

·          Reference to the manufacturer’s instructions for installations for information about the type of detector (combination, plug-in, battery powered) you purchased.

Suggested Detector Locations

Level with bedrooms

·          Must be within 10’ of the bedroom door

Basement

·         Not closer than 20’ to a fossil fuel burning appliance to avoid exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide that could shorten sensor life

·         Near the stairway leading to the floor above

·         The gas code also requires a hard wired detector with battery backup be installed near the space where the heater is located when a sidewall vent gas appliance is installed

Property with attached garage

·         Between door to garage and living space (close to the source)

·         In the living space (area of possible concentration)

Living level, no bedrooms

·         Not closer than 20’ to a source of carbon monoxide (avoid exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide)

·         In the living space (area of possible concentration)

·         Near the stairway leading to the floor above

Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The regulations allow the following options for CO alarms:

·          Battery operated with battery monitoring

·          Plug-ins with battery back-up

·          Hard-wired with battery backup

·          Low voltage system

·          Wireless

·          Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Acceptable combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must have simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between the two types of emergencies. The State Building Code mandates that only photoelectric smoke alarms are permitted within twenty feet of a bathroom or kitchen.

Alternative Compliance Option

Owners of larger buildings with centralized or minimal sources of carbon monoxide may wish to consider the alternative compliance option contained in the regulation.

Inspections

Fire departments are required to inspect smoke alarms when homes are being sold or transferred.

Starting March 31, 2006 the Fire Department will now inspect all residences upon sale or transfer for carbon monoxide alarms and the smoke detectors.

A Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Fire Department.