Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Information Bulletin: June 15, 2011:  The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010

The purpose of this document is to assist owners and occupants of dwelling units in understanding the requirements of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010.

Rules:

The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 is a California State Law. The law is codified in the Health and Safety Code in Sections 13260 through 13263, and Section 17926. The rules for the installation of carbon monoxide alarms located in one- and two-family dwelling units and townhouses are in the 2010 California Residential Code Section R315, and for other multi-dwelling unit buildings the rules are in the 2010 California Building Code Section 420.

Questions and Answers:

Q 1. Who must install a carbon monoxide device?

A 1. Every owner of a dwelling unit intended for human occupancy must install an approved carbon monoxide device in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage.Carbon monoxide devices are not required in dwelling units that have only electrical heaters and appliances, no fireplace, no garage or a detached garage.

Q 2. What is a carbon monoxide device?

A 2. It is a relatively inexpensive device similar to a smoke alarm, except it signals detection of carbon monoxide in the air. Under the law, a carbon monoxide device is designed to detect carbon monoxide and produce a distinct audible alarm. The device may be battery powered, a plug-in device with battery backup, or a hardwired device with a battery backup connected to the dwelling unit electrical system.

Q 3. Where must the devices be located?

A 3. Carbon monoxide devices shall be installed at the following locations within the dwelling unit:

1. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

2. On every occupiable floor level including basements, but not in attics or crawl spaces.

Q 4. When must the carbon monoxide device be installed?

A 4. 1. For all existing single-family dwelling units on or before July 1, 2011.

         2. For all other existing dwelling units on or before January 1, 2013.

Q 5. Is it okay to install a combined smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm?

A 5. Yes. Provided the warning alarm or voice warning clearly differentiates between the detection of smoke or carbon monoxide. The Fire Department recommends the use of a combined photoelectric smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm.

Q 6. Is a permit required by the Count of Marin?

A 6. A permit is not required for the installation of the following types of carbon monoxide devices: battery powered or plug-in; also, an existing hardwired smoke alarm may be replaced with a hardwired combined photoelectric smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm without a permit. An Electrical Permit is required for the installation of a new electrical circuit to supply power to a hardwired carbon monoxide device.

Q 7. Do landlords and tenants have any obligations under the new law?

A 7. Yes. The law applies to existing dwelling units, owner occupied and rental units. All landlords of dwelling units must install carbon monoxide devices as required by the law and documented above. The law gives a landlord authority to enter the dwelling unit for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining carbon monoxide devices pursuant to the authority and requirements of Section 1954 of the Civil Code.

The carbon monoxide device must be operable at the time that a tenant takes possession. However, the tenant has the responsibility of notifying the owner or owner’s agent if the tenant becomes aware of an inoperable or deficient carbon monoxide device. The landlord is not in violation of the law for a deficient or inoperable carbon monoxide device if he or she has not received notice of the problem from the tenant.