In addition to CO alarms outside of the sleeping areas, NFPA 720 requires the installation of a CO alarm on each additional level of the dwelling unit, including the basement. These installations are shown in Figure 5. The living area CO alarm should be installed in the living room or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations. The basement CO alarm should be installed in close proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above. Where installed on an
Figure 5
Figure 5: A CO ALARM MUST BE LOCATED ON EACH LEVEL. Are More CO Alarms Desirable? The required number of CO alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required
CO alarms. For this reason, the use of additional CO alarms for those areas for increased protection is recommended. The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required CO alarms. The installation of CO alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, because these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION
NFPA states the following for replacement of CO alarms: NFPA 720, 2009 Edition, Chapter 8, Section 8.10.2 states: Alarms shall be replaced when either the
MOUNTING LOCATION
CO alarms can be installed and mounted on the wall or ceiling with equal efficiency in either location. However, the CO alarm must be mounted in such a way as not to interrupt device function by jarring or vibration.
Ceiling location - CO alarm should be mounted as close as possible to the center of a hallway or room. If this is not possible, the edge of the CO alarm should be at least 4 inches from any wall.
Wall location - locate the top of the CO alarm at least 4 inches and not more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
Figure 6
Figure 6: RECOMMENDED CO ALARM MOUNTING LOCATIONS
Figure 7
Figure 7: RECOMMENDED CO ALARM LOCATION IN ROOMS WITH SLOPED, GABLED, OR PEAKED CEILINGS.
The placement of the CO alarm is critical if maximum speed of CO detection is desired. Thus, a logical location for a CO alarm is the center of the ceiling. At this location, the device is closest to all areas of the room.
WHERE CO ALARMS SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED DO NOT INSTALL THIS CO ALARM:
In garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty or greasy areas.
Closer than 15 feet (4.6 meters) from a furnace or other fuel burning heat source or fuel burning appliance like a water heater.
Within 5 feet (1.5 meters) of any cooking appliance Near any type of diaper pails or receptacle.
Near animal litter boxes, cages or kennels.
In extremely humid areas. This alarm should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a bath or shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dish washer, laundry room, utility room or other source of high humidity.
In areas where temperature is colder than 40°F (4°C) or hotter than 100°F (38°C). These areas include
In turbulent air, like near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent CO from reaching the sensors.
In direct sunlight
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES
This CO alarm is designed for use inside a single or multi- family dwelling. It is not meant to be used in common lobbies, hallways, or basements of
This CO alarm is not a suitable substitute for complete detection systems in places which house many people like hotels or dormitories, unless a CO alarm is also placed in each unit.
DO NOT use this CO alarm in warehouses, industrial or commercial buildings,
Never disconnect an AC CO alarm to silence a nuisance alarm. Open a window or fan the air around the CO alarm. The alarm will automatically turn off when the CO in the air is completely gone. Do not stand close to the CO alarm. The sound produced by the CO alarm is loud because it is designed to awaken you in an emergency. Prolonged exposure to the horn at a close distance may be harmful to your hearing.
INSTALLATION CO1209 SERIES
NOTICE: New Construction: DO NOT attach CO alarm until AFTER sanding, painting, and other dust creating situations are
finished and cleaned up.
WIRING/GENERAL
1. Use U.L. Listed cable with Class 1 insulation.
2. Observe local code requirements. Use box connector to anchor cable to outlet box.
3. Metal outlet boxes must be grounded to earth ground.
4. NOTICE: Use only Duracell MN 1604 battery with the
CO1209 Series CO alarms. Available at many retail stores. Turn off electricity to prevent SHOCK and damage to
CO alarm. Be sure the power line to the CO alarm is not controlled by any on/off switch, or other type of switch, other than a fuse or circuit breaker.
NOTICE: Ensure that all fluorescent lighting fixtures are properly
grounded.550-0498Pg.
