The New Carbon Monoxide Detector Law In California- California residents, have you installed a carbon monoxide detector in your home? Per California Senate Bill 183, California residents must have a carbon monoxide detector installed in their home as of July 1, 2011. Although I have been recommending installation of CO alarms in my home inspection reports for some time now, home inspectors will now be required to report on the presence or absence of these detectors. This new law applies to homes having at least one of the following:
- A fossil-fuel burning appliance or heater (wood, gas, oil, coal)
- An attached garage
- A fireplace
Required locations: Carbon monoxide detectors are required to be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s), and on every level of the home (including basements).
Detectors: Carbon monoxide detectors must be hard-wired with battery backup and must be inter-connected if there is more than one in the home. Solely-battery operated detectors may be used IF alterations done to the home do not result in the removal of wall or ceiling finishes OR there is no access for wiring by means of an attic, basement, or crawlspace.
The carbon monoxide detector must have been tested and certified pursuant to the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) as set forth in ANSI/UL 2034 or ANSI/ UL 2075, and be approved and listed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. If a combination CO/smoke alarm is used, it must still meet the above standards and the CO detector must sound an alarm that is different than the smoke detector. Carbon monoxide detectors typically can be purchased for $30 and up.
Fines: California law states that anyone who does not comply with the new law may face up to a $200 fine. However, residents will receive a 30-day notice to correct any violations before the fine will be imposed.
The New Carbon Monoxide Detector Law In California- Steve Stenros, owner of First Choice Inspections, is a CREIA MCI home inspector and can be reached for appointment at 888-335-3040. Steve provides professional home inspections in San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties. Clients receive a FREE lifetime appliance RecallChek with every standard home inspection.
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