Yes. The law requires that CO alarms be installed in multi-unit occupancies if there is fossil fuel burning appliances or attached garages. There isn’t an exception for dwellings without direct access from the garage to the living area, as CO from the garage can travel through openings and ventilation systems entering into the living space.

Yes. The law requires that CO alarms be installed when fossil fuel appliances are used. Since common areas and hallways leading to the living units can produce CO, which could enter the living units by ventilation systems, an alarm would be located within the living unit.

A carbon monoxide alarm is a stand-alone unit that 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, is designed to be used with a fire alarm system, and receives its power from the fire alarm panel.

There are two types of devices available. There are carbon monoxide alarms (CSFM category # 5276) and carbon monoxide detectors (CSFM category # 5278).

Yes. SB183 prohibits the marketing, distribution, or sale of devices unless it is approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal.

http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/bml/List_CSFM_Approved.pdf . This document is updated periodically.

a) Click this URL link, http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/bml/List_CSFM_Approved.pdf and click the desired listing’s listing number URL link, which will open up a pdf document of the full listing.-or-b) To locate up-to-date listings, go to http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/licensinglistings/licenselisting_bml_searchcotest.php and search by CSFM category or Company (Manufacturer).

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

At this time, CAL FIRE/Office of the State Fire Marshal is not aware of any requirement for a 10-year life battery for CO alarms. However, if the device is a combination battery operated (primary power source) smoke/CO alarm, commencing January 1, 2014, in order for the State Fire Marshal to approve and list the device, the device must display the date of manufacture, provide a place where the date of installation can be written, incorporate a hush feature, incorporate an end-of-life feature providing notice that the device needs to be replaced, and contain a non-replaceable, non-removable battery that is capable of powering the smoke alarm for a minimum of 10 years as required per Senate Bill 1394 recently chaptered into law.

For a single-family dwelling having fossil fuel burning appliances and/or attached garages, the effective date is July 1, 2011.For all other dwelling units having fossil fuel burning appliances and/or attached garages, the effective date is Jan. 1, 2013.For hotels and motels having fossil fuel burning appliances and/or attached garages, the effective date is Jan. 1, 2016.

CO devices should be installed outside each sleeping areas of the home, including the basement. The manufacturer’s installation instruction should also be followed.

No. They are required by SB183 to be installed outside of each sleeping area. For maximum protection against CO gas, it is recommended that a CO device be installed in each sleeping room.

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.

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.

CAL FIRE/Office of the State Fire Marshal approved and listed the CO alarms but enforcement of the requirement could fall upon the “Enforcing Agency” as designated by statue or regulations. Normally, a typical enforcing agency is your local fire and/or building department.

California Building Code, Chapter 2 and Health and Safety Code, Section 17920 provide a definition that states, “…diligent effort to secure compliance, including review of plans and permit applications, response to complaints, citation of violations, and other legal process. Except as otherwise provided in this part, “enforcement” may, but need not, include inspections of existing buildings on which no complaint or permit application has been filed, and effort to secure compliance as to these buildings”. As always, it is advisable that enforcing agencies consult with their legal counsel regarding the enforcement of these provisions on existing single-family residence.

For other questions, contact your local enforcing agencies, such as local building and fire departments. Regulation information is available on the California Department of Housing and Community Development website at http://www.hcd.ca.gov/.