Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Post date: Jul 25, 2016 8:38:37 PM
As of July 1, 2011, the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill SB183) requires all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install carbon monoxide alarms within the home.
Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, are required to comply with the law by January 1, 2013.
Existing CO devices installed prior to July 1, 2011 may continue to be utilized.
Device Requirements
New Construction: Must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected.
Existing Homes: May be battery operated, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired with battery backup.
Installation Requirements
Devices should be installed outside each sleeping areas of the home, on every level, including the basement. The manufacturer’s installation instruction should also be followed.
Carbon monoxide has a molar mass of 28.0, which makes it slightly lighter than air, whose average molar mass is 28.8. According to the ideal gas law, CO is therefore less dense than air. With that said, the heat generated by these appliances will make the carbon monoxide (CO) more buoyant and present it to the carbon monoxide detector on the ceiling.
Height Installation Requirement: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 720, the location for effective performance is not generally dependent on mounting height. The density of carbon monoxide is similar to that of air at room temperature, and carbon monoxide generally mixes readily with air. The manufacturer’s installation instruction should also be followed.
On another note, make sure that when you place your carbon monoxide detector outside of the sleeping area you still achieve a sound level of 75dB at the pillow with the door closed.
Definitions
Carbon Monoxide Alarm:
A carbon monoxide alarm is a stand alone unit which is tested to Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standard 2034 and has its own built-in power supply and audible device.
Carbon Monoxide Detector:
A carbon monoxide detector is a system unit which is tested to UL Standard 2075 and is designed to be used with a fire alarm system and receives its power from the fire alarm panel.
CAL FIRE/ Office of the State Fire Marshal FAQ
Smoke Alarms belong in each bedroom and in the hall outside the bedroom, where they can hang out with the CO alarm.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be installed outside each sleeping areas of the home, on every level, including the basement. The manufacturer’s installation instruction should also be followed.
Combo Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarms may be installed in the hallway outside the bedroom(s), since that’s where they are supposed to be anyway.