How to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

There is a variety of carbon monoxide detectors on the market. One inexpensive variety can be found at such stores as Sears and Wal-Mart and at hardware stores. There are also detectors that interface with a control panel of a security system or that can be observed by a monitoring company.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carbon Monoxide Detector
• Electric Drill/assorted Bits
• Fish Tapes
• Multiuse Screws
• Screwdriver Sets

Conducting Preliminary Research

1. Consider your home. Do you use gas appliances or electric? Does your house include an attached garage? If you use electric appliances and you don't have an attached garage, you don't need a carbon monoxide detector. However, if you use gas and/or you have an attached garage, you may want to consider using a carbon monoxide detector.

2. Choose a detector that is UL certified.

Installing the Sensor

3. Gather the following tools: drill, screwdriver, screws, tools to fish wires through walls.

4. Read the installation instructions that come with the sensor.

5. Locate the gas furnace.

6. Using the drill and screws, mount the carbon monoxide detector to the ceiling near the furnace. If the detector is a stand-alone or wireless model, you're done.

7. Drill a hole in the ceiling to route the detector's wire toward the system's control panel if your detector interfaces with your security system. Be prepared to drill holes into walls and route the wire through to get it to the control panel.

8. Connect the wire to the proper input on the control panel.

9. Repeat the steps to install sensors near your bedrooms and an attached garage.

Tips & Warnings

• Good mounting locations for a carbon monoxide detector include near a gas furnace, near sleeping areas, and in close proximity to the attached garage.
• Some states regulate who can install home security systems. Moreover, the task requires that you be well-skilled doing electrical work. National codes concerning the electrical wiring of a home must also be taken into account.

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on 3/29/2007 One correction, CO2 is for Carbon Dioxide. CO is Carbon Monoxide. CO2 detector placement is not the same.

on 3/22/2006 Your recommendation to place CO2 detectors near a furnace is in contradiction to the approved guidelines:

"Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provides extra protection.

Homeowners should remember not to install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up. A detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms."