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NEW CO (CARBON MONOXIDE) ALARM REQUIREMENTS Basic Requirement: California SB 183 aka the “Carbon Monoxide Prevention Act of 2010” was signed into law in 2010. It mandates that as of July 1st, 2011 all single family homes and townhouses are required to have carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed. The new standard requires Smoke Detector/CO alarms outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the dwelling that has a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. Detailed Suggestions: 1. Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance/heater, attached garage or fireplace should have a Smoke Detector/CO alarm. This means nearly every house in the Bay Area. For existing houses, not new or remodels, battery only devices are OK 2. If the home has only one Smoke Detector/CO alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or in the hallway outside of the sleeping area. Place the alarm at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances (furnace, etc). 3. Do not place the Smoke Detector/CO alarm in dead air spaces (closets, for example) or next to a window or door. 4. Make sure nothing is blocking or covering the Smoke Detector/CO alarm. 5. A Smoke Detector/CO alarm should be installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas. If you are thinking about selling your home in the near future the home inspector will be checking the following: Devices that qualify: The devices may be battery-powered, or a plug-in device with a battery back-up, and must be tested and certified pursuant to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and UL Listed. Look for these labels on any products being purchased, as home inspectors will look for these labels. Age of the CO unit: CO devices must be replaced at least every 7 years. For this reason, when selling a residential property, disclosure of the existence of the devices and its operability may not be sufficient, if the device is more than 7 years old. Best approach is to write the date on the detector or on a small “Post It” note with the date. *We hope you find this information useful. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This document is provided by Olivia Edwards and Mary Murphy, The Platinum Group at Coldwell Banker. For further information call 650-773-4999 or email Sold@PlatinumGroupRE.com |
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