1.4   Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Every dwelling should have at least one working smoke alarm. CO detectors must be installed in any dwelling unit that does not have a working CO detector. Install these alarms on each conditioned level, near the bedrooms.

Install CO alarms and smoke alarms, or combination CO/smoke alarms, in dwellings that lack both smoke alarms and CO alarms.

Don’t install alarms within 15 feet of gas ranges or combustion devices because small amounts of smoke or CO can cause nui­sance false alarms.

Single-function alarms or combination alarms can interconnect electrically for whole-building protection. If one alarm sounds the other alarms sound too.

If hard wired, a licensed electrician must install the alarm.

1.4.1   Occupant Education about Alarms 

✓     Educate occupants about what to do if the alarm sounds: evacuate or at least investigate.

✓     Alert residents to the possibility of false alarms from smoking, cooking, dust, and forest fires.

✓     Discuss the low-battery chirping sound and how to replace the battery.

✓     Tell residents that alarms last less than 10 years and that a different sound will alert them when the alarm fails.

1.4.2   Smoke Alarms

Install smoke alarms labeled UL 217 in buildings where they don’t exist or don’t work.

✓     Install one smoke alarm in each dwelling on each floor.

✓     If mounted on a wall, mount the alarm from 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.

✓     If mounted on a ceiling, mount the alarm at least 6 inches from the nearest wall.

✓     If battery powered, prefer long-life lithium batteries.

✓     If hard wired, connect the alarm to a circuit that is ener­gized at all times.

Don’t install smoke alarms in these situations.

•       Within 12 inches of exterior doors and windows.

•       Within 20 feet of a stove or oven.

•       Within 3 feet of a bathroom door.

•       With an electrical connection to a switched circuit.

1.4.3   CO Alarms

Install at least one CO alarm on each floor of all weatherized dwellings or weatherized apartments. CO alarms must comply with these specifications.

✓     Have a label with a UL 2034 listing.

✓     If hard wired, connect to a circuit that is energized at all times by plugging in to an electrical receptacle.

✓     If battery powered, prefer long-life lithium batteries.

✓     Have a digital display of the CO measurement.

✓     Have a sensor-life alarm.

Don’t install CO alarms in these situations.

•       In a room that may get too hot or cold for alarm to function properly

•       Within 5 feet of a combustion appliance, vent, or chimney

•       Within 5 feet of a storage area for vapor-producing chemi­cals

•       Within 12 inches of exterior doors and windows

•       Within a furnace closet or room

•       With an electrical connection to a switched circuit

•       Less than 15 feet away from a gas range.