New Construction
Impacted Residential Dwellings (CA Residential Code, 2010)
All newly constructed detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height that contain fuel burning appliances or an attached garage. Also, when such an existing dwelling requires a permit for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000.
Impacted Commercial Dwellings (CA Building Code, 2010)
- (I-1) Group homes, assisted living facilities housing more than 16 persons in a supervised environment who are capable of responding to an emergency.
- (R-1) Hotels, boarding houses, etc.
- (R-2) Apartments, dorms, etc.
- (R-3) Adult and child day care facilities, etc.
Existing Homes
Impacted Dwellings
Any single-family dwelling, duplex, lodging house, private dormitory, hotel, motel,condo, time-share or multiple unit dwelling that contains a fossil-fuel burning heater, appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic invisible gas. It is the product of the incomplete combustion (burning) of wood and fossil fuels such as home heating fuel oil, natural gas, gasoline, kerosene and coal. Major sources of CO in homes are from fuel burning (not electric) heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, gas clothing dryers and a vehicle running in a closed garage. When these appliances are not properly maintained or properly vented to a chimney, CO can build up in a building. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous because it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas. Breathing CO (resulting in CO poisoning) is harmful and can be fatal. The warning signs of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and nausea.
WHEN MUST CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS BE INSTALLED?
- New Construction - January 1, 2011
- Existing Single-Family - July 1, 2011
- Existing Multi-Family Dwellings - January 1, 2013
WHAT TYPES OF CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS ARE REQUIRED?
New Construction
Must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected. Existing dwellings with alterations may be solely battery operated IF alterations do not result in the removal of drywall or ceiling finishes or there is no access by means of attic, basement or crawlspace. Must comply with UL 2034 and be approved and listed by the CA State Fire Marshal.
Existing Homes
May be battery operated, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired with battery backup. Must comply with UL 2034 and be approved and listed by the CA State Fire Marshal.
WHERE SHOULD CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS BE INSTALLED?
New Construction
CO alarms must be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity and on every level of the dwelling (including basements). (R-1 facilities only—alarm must be installed on the ceiling of sleeping units with permanently installed fuel-burning appliances.)
Existing Homes
CO alarms must be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity and on every level of the dwelling.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF A CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM ACTIVATES?
If you know which unit is causing the problem, open windows, shut off the fuel supply to the unit and call a service company to have the unit repaired. If you do not know the cause of the activation of the alarm, remove everyone from the house and call
the Fire Department (911).
FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO CARBON MONOXIDE LAW
Visit
www.knowaboutco.com for more information.
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