The State of California recently enacted a new statue concerning the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in 1-4 residential units. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2011 states that every owner of a dwelling unit intended for human occupancy must install an approved carbon monoxide device in every unit having a fossil fuel heater or appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death in the home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and orderless gas that not only causes serious health problems but can kill you. The detectors are similar to smoke detectors and will alert occupants if carbon monoxide gas is present.
The regulations call for all single family homes, townhomes or condos to have the detectors installed as of July 1, 2011. All other types of residential dwellings have until January 1, 2013 to install the mandated detectors. The law requires all properties to have carbon monoxide detectors installed by the above dates whether or not the home is being sold.
The detectors must be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The detector should be located at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents. The detectors must also be on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
The devices are required on properties that are owner occupied and on properties that are tenant occupied. There are fines for non-compliance. The regulations also allow for a stronger form of the law to be passed by individual cities... so don't be surprised to see tougher requirements in some of our local Beach Cities .
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death in the home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and orderless gas that not only causes serious health problems but can kill you. The detectors are similar to smoke detectors and will alert occupants if carbon monoxide gas is present.
The regulations call for all single family homes, townhomes or condos to have the detectors installed as of July 1, 2011. All other types of residential dwellings have until January 1, 2013 to install the mandated detectors. The law requires all properties to have carbon monoxide detectors installed by the above dates whether or not the home is being sold.
The detectors must be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The detector should be located at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents. The detectors must also be on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
The devices are required on properties that are owner occupied and on properties that are tenant occupied. There are fines for non-compliance. The regulations also allow for a stronger form of the law to be passed by individual cities... so don't be surprised to see tougher requirements in some of our local Beach Cities .
