Placement of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Rest easy when your family is properly protected with carbon monoxide detectors.

Protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning by placing carbon monoxide detector units in optimal positions throughout your home. Known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless and colorless, making it a sneaky and deadly poison. Whether your carbon monoxide alarms are hard-wired into a newly constructed home or battery-operated units added in later, placement is crucial for keeping your loved ones safe.

Instructions

1. Place one carbon monoxide detector in each sleeping area or bedroom. Install a detector unit in the hallway outside the sleeping areas. Locate the detectors on walls or the ceiling farthest removed from heating vents.

2. Ensure that there is at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor of a multistory house, including the basement, even if there are no bedrooms on that floor.

3. Locate carbon monoxide detectors high on the wall or on the ceiling. Place them in a location that will not be blocked by drapery, high furniture or other encumbrances.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the batteries in carbon monoxide alarms at least twice a year.

• To avoid repeated false alarms, do not place carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances or in the kitchen.

• Install only carbon monoxide detectors that have been approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

References

• US Consumer Product Safety Commission
• United State Environmental Protection Agency: Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Medline Plus: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning