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Carbon Monoxide

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1. What is the definition of a dwelling unit?

A dwelling unit is defined as a single-family dwelling, duplex, lodging house, dormitory, hotel, motel, condominium, time-share project, or dwelling unit in a multiple-unit building.

2. Does a duplex qualify as a single family dwelling?

By definition, a duplex is not considered a single family dwelling.

3. Where should carbon monoxide devices be installed in homes?

They should be installed outside each sleeping area of the home including the basement. The manufacturer’s installation instruction should be followed.

4. Does SB-183 require carbon monoxide devices be installed in each room?

No. They are required by SB-183 to be installed outside of each sleeping area. For maximum protection against carbon monoxide gas, however, it is recommended that a carbon monoxide device be installed in each sleeping room.

5. At what height / location should a carbon monoxide device be mounted?

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.

6. Can I replace my existing smoke detector with a carbon monoxide device?

No. By law, both smoke alarms / detectors and carbon monoxide devices are required to be installed in all dwellings. However, a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm / detector will satisfy both requirements.

7. How many types of carbon monoxide devices are available?

There are 3 types:

• Carbon monoxide alarms (CSFM category #5276)
• Carbon monoxide detectors (CSFM category #5278)
• Combination smoke / carbon monoxide alarm (CSFM category #7256 or #7257).

8. What is the difference between a carbon monoxide alarm and a carbon monoxide detector?

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. These units are typically installed in your single family dwelling. 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.

9. Are carbon monoxide devices required to be approved by the State Fire Marshal?

Yes. SB-183 prohibits the marketing, distribution, or sale of devices unless it is approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal.

10. If someone has a carbon monoxide device that is not listed by the State Fire Marshal prior to the law, can they maintain it or does it have to be replaced?

The law requires that carbon monoxide devices to be approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal prior to sale, marketing, or distribution. Carbon monoxide devices installed prior to July 1, 2011 may continue to be utilized.

11. What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.

12. What carbon monoxide level is dangerous to your health?

The health effects of carbon monoxide (CO) depend on the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). Health effects from exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm are uncertain, but most people will not experience any symptoms. Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

13. What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. Call your fire department and report your symptoms. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified service person checks them for malfunction.

14. What has changed in carbon monoxide detectors / alarms recently?

Carbon monoxide detectors / alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide are reached. The UL standard 2034 (1998 revision) has stricter requirements that the detector / alarm must meet before it can sound. As a result, the possibility of nuisance alarms is decreased.

15. How should I install a carbon monoxide alarm?

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall because CO from any source will be well-mixed with the air in the house. Make sure furniture or draperies cannot cover up the alarm.

16. What should I do when the carbon monoxide detector / alarm sounds?

Never ignore an alarming carbon monoxide detector / alarm. If the detector / alarm sounds:

• Operate the reset button.
• Immediately move to fresh air - outdoors or by an open door / window.
• Call your emergency services (Fire Department or 911).

17. How should a consumer test a carbon monoxide detector / alarm to make sure it is working?

Consumers should follow the manufacturer's instructions. Using a test button, some detectors / alarms test whether the circuitry as well as the sensor which senses carbon monoxide is working, while the test button on other detectors only tests whether the circuitry is working. For those units which test the circuitry only, some manufacturers sell separate test kits to help the consumer test the carbon monoxide sensor inside the alarm.

18. What is the role of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning?

CPSC worked closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to help develop the safety standard (UL 2034) for carbon monoxide (CO) detectors / alarms. CPSC helps promote carbon monoxide safety awareness to raise awareness of CO hazards and the need for regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. CPSC recommends that every home have a CO detector / alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent UL standard 2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard in the hallway near every separate sleeping area. CPSC also works with industry to develop voluntary and mandatory standards for fuel-burning appliances.

19. Should carbon monoxide detectors / alarms be used in motor homes and other recreational vehicles?

Carbon monoxide detectors / alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires carbon monoxide detectors / alarms in motor homes and in towable recreational vehicles that have a generator or are prepped for a generator.