Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation General Recommendations


Where to install: Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on each level containing sleeping areas or groups of bedrooms. For example. If the property is a two story house, and there are bedrooms on the second floor, the alarm should be installed in the hallway on the second floor. If the property is a two story house and there are bedrooms on the first and second floor, an alarm should be installed on each floor.

According to the carbon monoxide guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 720, 2005 edition), all carbon monoxide alarms “shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms,” and each alarm “shall be located on the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit.

For more information about carbon monoxide safety, visit  the National Fire Protection Association.

Please see below for general suggestions regarding Carbon Monoxide Alarm installation. Please refer to the link about for further information.

Homes with attached Garages

If you have an enclosed garage directly attached to the home, then you should also place a detector within 10 feet of the internal door to your garage. If a motor vehicle is left running in the garage, then a dangerous level of Carbon Monoxide can quickly build up inside your home. You should also place a detector in any room situated directly above your garage.

Places to Avoid

Most importantly you want to avoid false positive readings from your detectors. To ensure your alarm goes off only when needed, you should place your detectors at least 15 feet away from any fossil fuel burning appliances such as:

  • Gas powered Kitchen Stove/Oven
  • Heating Furnace
  • Fireplace

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are designed to work within certain tolerances for temperature and humidity. For this reason you must avoid placing your detectors in any locations such as:

  • Bathrooms
  • In Direct Sunlight
  • Close to Appliances that generate heat

Other places to avoid include:

  • Anywhere children can reach
  • Open windows or anywhere else there might be a strong draft
  • Behind curtains or any structure that might prevent Carbon Monoxide from reaching the sensor

Sources: 
https://nest.com/support/article/Shouldn-t-a-carbon-monoxide-CO-alarm-be-installed-near-the-floor
http://www.carbonmonoxidedetectorplacement.com/