CO Detection is the LAW

You may have seen your local hardware store trying to push you on Carbon Monoxide detectors stating its the law.  Read below to know for yourself!

The new requirements in the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) and the International Building Code (IBC) require the installation of CO detection in new and existing Group-R and Group-I occupancies, such as hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings, hospitals and nursing homes.

Section 908.7 of the 2012 IFC and IBC requires CO detection to be installed in “newly” constructed Group-R and Group-I occupancies if the building contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Also CO alarms shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment, and the manufacturer’s instructions.


Section 1103.9 of the IFC covers the requirements for existing Group-R and Group-I occupancies, these requirements are the same as those in 908.7 for newly constructed occupancies.




If sleeping units or dwelling units do not contain a fuel-burning appliance or have an attached garage, however are located within a building with a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage, CO detection is not required if any of the following conditions are present:

• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story above or below any story that contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage
• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation shafts to an attached garage or any room containing a fuel-burning appliance
• The building is provided with a common area CO alarm system.  Also, Section 908.7.1 of the 2012 IBC and IFC clearly permits system connected CO detectors to be installed as a primary form of protection if they are installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720 and listed as complying
with ANSI/UL 2075.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Mounting

Carbon monoxide alarms and detection systems now have more direction on mounting and alerting thanks to NFPA 72 2022

NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment (2015) currently does not have any requirements for the mounting height/location of a carbon monoxide detector.  However, NFPA 720 does specify that is a carbon monoxide detector is installed in a room with a fire fueled appliance such as a generator, hot water heater, furnace, etc., it is to be mounted on the ceiling.

The reason behind the NFPA 720 placement of carbon monoxide detectors on the ceiling in these areas is makes perfect sense. Continue below:  

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.

Another source for the mounting and installation of carbon monoxide detectors is found in NFPA 72 2019 section 17.12 "Carbon Monoxide Detectors"

NFPA 72 Carbon Monoxide Requirements per Chapter 17

NFPA 72 2022 Section 17.12.1 

Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards, carbon monoxide defectors shall be installed in accordance with the following:

    1) On the ceiling in the same room as permanently installed fuel-burning appliances, and

    2) Centrally located on every habitable level and in every HVAC zone of the building, and

    3) Outside of each separate dwelling unit, guest rom, and guest suite sleeping area within 21 feet (6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured along the path of trave, and

    4) Other locations where required by appliance laws, codes, or standards or

    

NFPA 72 2022 Section 12.12.2 

Carbon monoxide detectors shall meet the following requirements:

    1) Carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed in accordance with applicable standards, such as ANSI/UL 2075, Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors.

    2) Carbon monoxide detectors shall be set to respond to the sensitivity limits specified in ANSI/UL 2034, Standard for Single and Multiple Stations Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

NFPA 72 2022 Section 17.12.4 

All carbon monoxide detectors shall be located and mounted so that accidental operation will not be caused by jarring or vibration. 

NFPA 72 2022 Section 17.12.5 

The location of carbon monoxide detectors shall be based on an evaluation of potential ambient sources and flows of carbon monoxide, moisture, temperature, dust, or fumes and of electrical or mechanical influences to minimize nuisance alarms. 

NFPA 72 Carbon Monoxide Requirements per Chapter 18

NFPA 72 2022 Section 18.4.3.1 

Where a carbon monoxide detector or alarm is required by other codes or standards or by the authority having jurisdiction and where an audible signal is required, a distinctive signal patter shall be required that is different from a fire evacuation signal.

We know this as Temporal Code 4. 

NFPA 72 2022 Section 18.4.3.2 

Where an audible signal is required, the carbon monoxide signal shall be four-pulse temporal pattern and comply with the following:

    1) Signals shall be a pattern consisting of four cycles of 100 milliseconds +/- 10 percent "on" and 100 milliseconds +/- percent "off" followed by 5 seconds +/- 10 percent "off" as demonstrated in figure 18.4.3.2

    2) After the initial 4 minutes of the carbon monoxide signal, the 5-second "off" time shall be permitted to be changed to 60 seconds +/- 10 percent.

    3) The alarm signal shall be repeated in compliance with 18.4.3.2(1) and 18.4.3.2 (2) until the alarm resets or the alarm signal is manually silenced.

NFPA 72 2022 Section 18.4.3.3

The signal shall be synchronized within a notification zone of a protected premises. 

NFPA 72 2019 Section 18.4.3.4 

The audible signal of carbon monoxide alarms and systems installed to meet the requirements of NFPA 72 chapter 29 shall NOT be required to be synchronized.

NFPA 72 2022 Section 23.8.4.9

Unless otherwise permitted by 23.8.4.9.1 signals form carbon monoxide detectors and carbon monoxide detection systems transmitted to a fire alarm system shall be indicated as a carbon monoxide alarm signal. No more general supervisory signals for carbon monoxide alarms or detection system. 

NFPA 72 2022 Section 23.8.6.1.2

Except as permitted in 23.8.61.3 occupant notification of carbon monoxide systems shall be throughout the protected premises. 

NFPA 72 2022 Section 23,8.6.1.3

Where carbon monoxide alarm signals are transmitted to a constantly attended on-site location or off-premises location in accordance with this chapter, selective public mode occupant notification zone encompassing the area where the carbon monoxide alarm signal was initiated. 

NFPA 72 2022 Section 23.8.6.3.3

The boundaries of carbon monoxide alarm notification zones shall be coincident with the area where the alarm initiation originated and other signaling zones in accordance with the building's emergency response plan. 

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.

Read more hear about the new laws and state legislation for carbon monoxide detection in California.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in California

It's finally coming to California!  A code legislation that requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors Kidde KN-COPP-B Front Load Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display in residential applications.  Carbon Monoxide poisoning (CO), is responsible for more than 400 Americans deaths from unintentional poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 hospital visits due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.  CO is commonly found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by vehicles, gasoline engines like those of a back-up power generator, stoves, lanterns, areas for burning charcoal and/or wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. Since Carbon Monoxide is colorless and orderless, it kills without warning.  This is where it gets its alias The Silent Killer.

California as of January 1, 2011 will require the installation of these Carbon Monoxide detectors (example Kiddie carbon monoxide detector) in the following facilities:

• New one-two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories.  Where work requiring a permit occurs in existing dwellings.  Reference Section R315 of the 2010 California Residential Code, Title 24 Part 2.5
• New commercial buildings (I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3).  Where a permit required for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000.  Reference section 420 of the 2010 California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2 (2 Volumes Parts 8 & 10)

In both of these applications use the following installation guidelines:

Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.