One detector should be located on every floor.
A carbon monoxide detector signals the occupants of a property of the presence of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless and odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion and often is called the silent killer. Because you cannot see it or taste it when it invades the air, the gas can affect your family before you become aware of it. The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning makes the placement of detectors a key issue for every home and building. Does this Spark an idea?
Heating Systems
According to NFPA regulations, every room with a combustion device should have a carbon monoxide detector. This means every room with a heating source, such as a furnace, kerosene heater or fireplace. Do not place the device directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances.
Rooms with HVAC systems (central heating units) should have a detector centrally located within zones. A floor is a zone unless it has a number of closed doors. Locations must not be in spaces behind a closed door but should be in open areas. Do not put the detector in a bathroom or closet but in an open space, such as a hallway.
By Floor
One detector should be located on every floor. Floors normally divided by closed doors need one detector near every closed door. For example, detectors should be in the hallway near bedrooms. Your garage has a closed door and needs a unit. A floor with an open plan, like a living room, dining room and kitchen, needs only one detector. Do not place units within 15 feet of a heating or cooking appliance.
Height Settings
Detectors should sit at high points in a room. This is because of the buoyancy of gas. Carbon monoxide is lighter than air. When released into the atmosphere, it will rise and disperse to other spaces. A detector placed at a high point in a room is better equipped to discover gas early. Gas will always move up and away from the center. Spaces, such as corners will fill faster. Place detectors with this theory in mind. Units should not be lower than nose level.
If an opening exists between the room that holds the detector and the remainder of the building, place the unit at the height of the opening. For example, older buildings sometimes have small windows above doors. Gas can escape through this window. Detectors should be placed at the height of the window.
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