Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is a toxic gas and is generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. For homes, the usual sources of CO gas are boiler, stove, fireplaces, and parking garage. CO poisoning can be fatal and the law requires detectors/alarms to be installed at homes and multiple dwelling units where there are sleeping accommodations.
For existing houses or apartment houses, battery-operated alarms may be installed in lieu of hardwired alarms. For new construction, the law requires these detectors and alarms to be installed by a licensed electrician without switches and connected directly to the electrical panel of the house or dwelling units.
| House/Apartment House | Commercial | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install in sleeping rooms | Yes | Yes | Within 15 ft. of entrance |
| Install in hallway | Yes | Yes | Within 15 ft. of entrance to sleeping rooms |
| Install in basement | Yes | Yes | |
| Install near kitchen (cooking appliances) prohibited | No alarm/detectors to be installed within 20 ft. radial distance of cooking appliances. (see note) | N/A | Unless listed in accordance with the 8th edition of UL 217 for smoke alarms or the 7th edition of UL 268 for smoke detectors. |
| Install at stairways | Yes | Yes | At top and bottom of stairways |
| Alarm or Detector | Alarm may be installed and shall be battery backup type with self diagnostic testing capability | Detectors connected to a fire alarm system | |
Maintenance of the alarms/detectors shall be a part of the house/building maintenance cycle in that they should be tested regularly, be kept clean from dust and dirt, replaced batteries twice a year and the devices themselves shall be replaced every five (5) years.
