Carbon monoxide alarms, how many?

MayBee

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but under the new rules from July 1st, how many carbon monoxide alarms need to be provided in a 3 bedroom semi, thanks in advance

Gumbo

MayBee wrote: »

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but under the new rules from July 1st, how many carbon monoxide alarms need to be provided in a 3 bedroom semi, thanks in advance

I would use Technical Guidance Document Part J as a guidance.

Warning of the release of Carbon Monoxide in dwellings

Where a new or replacement open-flued or flueless combustion appliance, not designed solely for cooking purposes, is installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm should be provided:

(a) in the room where the appliance is located,
and
(b) either inside each bedroom or, within 5 m
(16 ft.) of the bedroom door, measured
along the path of the corridor.

1.5.2.1 Where a system chimney is being used, with any heat producing appliance and the flue passes within or over a habitable room,
(whether encased or not), then a CO alarm should be fitted in the room.

1.5.2.2 Alarm type: A carbon monoxide alarm depends on a sensing element the output of which changes in the presence of carbon monoxide. It has a limited life span and may become obsolete even though the electric circuitry remains functioning which is why an end of life alarm is required.

Carbon monoxide alarms should:

(a) comply with I.S. EN 50291-1:2010/A1:2012; and
(b) incorporate a visual and audible indicator to alert users when the working life of the alarm is due to pass; and
(c) the manufacturer should have third party certification confirming compliance with the standard.

The carbon monoxide alarm may give an endof-life indication in accordance with the following criteria:
1. powered by a non-replaceable (sealed) battery unit where the battery life does not exceed the life of the sensor.
2. powered by mains electricity(not plug in type) where a timer is included to indicate the end-of-life of the unit;
3. powered by a replaceable battery where a timer is included to indicate the end-of-life of the unit.

1.5.3 Location:
1.5.3.1 The carbon monoxide alarm in a room containing an open-flued or flueless combustion appliance should be located –
(a) either on the ceiling at least 300 mm from any wall or, if it is located on a wall, as high up as possible (above any doors and windows) but not within 150 mm of the ceiling; and
(b) between 1000 mm and 3000 mm horizontally from the appliance; or
(c) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction.

1.5.3.2 Alarms located in bedrooms should be located relatively close to the breathing zone of the occupants.
1.5.3.3 Where a single room serves as living accommodation then the alarm should be positioned as far from the cooking appliances as possible but near to where the person sleeps.

1.5.3.4 Further guidance on the installation of carbon monoxide alarms is available in I.S. EN 50292:2002 and from manufacturers’ instructions

So lets say in your typical Dublin 3 bed semi with a gas boiler and an open fire place.

1. CO Detector in the room where the gas boiler is (assuming the flue goes straight out an external wall).
2. CO Detector in the room where the fire place is.
3. CO Detector in the bed room above where the chimney passes through.

MayBee

Thank you so much, that's most helpful