Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Own Them, It’s the Law!

According to NFPA, Life Safety Code, carbon monoxide alarms are required on every floor of a residential occupancy.

The carbon monoxide alarms are to be either of the following; battery powered, plug-in with battery back-up, or wired into the structure’s alternating current power line with secondary battery back-up.

Is your Carbon Monoxide ALARM at the End of its Life?

In February 2008, a major change was incorporated that required all Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms produced beginning August 1, 2009 to have an end-of-life signal. This signal is to activate once the device reaches its projected end-of-life. The life span of the device is specific to the manufacturer.

Alarm Signals

The CO alarm will have 3 signals:

• Alarm for elevated CO
• Trouble for low battery or other fault
• End-of-life signal

The alarm signal will be a series of 4 rapid beeps followed by a 5-second pause. This will continue to be repeated. A trouble signal is a half-second beep every 30 - 60 seconds. The end-of-life signal may be a distinct signal (depending on manufacturer) or the same signal as the trouble with a visual indicator that indicates the end-of-life for the detector.

New Alarms

If you have one of the new alarms manufactured after August 1, 2009 (manufacture date on back of unit or in paperwork provided with unit) and the end-of-life signal activates, replace your unit as soon as possible. If you have an older unit that does not have this signal, serious consideration should be given to replacing the CO alarm.

For further information about the CO alarm you have, refer to the paperwork that came with your unit or the manufacturers website.