Carbon Monoxide Alarms

At a minimum, one CO alarm should be installed on each level of your home—ideally on any level with fuel-burning appliances and outside of sleeping areas. The recommended placement for a CO alarm is:

• In every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance
• At least 11.8 in (300 mm) from any wall (for ceiling-mounted alarms)
• At least 5.9 in (150 mm) from the ceiling level and 150 mm above doorframes (for wall-mounted alarms)
• At least 5 ft (1.5 m) away from any potential source of CO

• In garages or in any extremely dusty, dirty or greasy areas.
• Where there is the possibility of smoke or fumes under normal operating circumstances.
• In poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep the CO alarms at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from potential smoke or fume sources (e.g. stoves, furnaces, water heaters, space heaters) if possible.
• In areas where a 5-foot (1.5 m) distance from a potential smoke or fume source is not possible. In modular, mobile, or smaller houses, it is recommended the CO alarm be placed as far from any potential smoke or fume sources.
• Within 5 feet (1.5 m) of any cooking appliance.
• In extremely humid areas. This alarm should be at least 10 feet (3 m) from a bath or shower, sauna, humidifier, vaporizer, dishwasher, laundry room, utility room, or other sources of high humidity.
• In areas where the temperature is colder than 40°F (4.4°C) or hotter than 100°F (37.8°C). For example, non-air-conditioned crawl spaces, unfinished attics, uninsulated or poorly insulated ceilings, porches, and garages.
• Where the air is turbulent, such as near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioner vents, fresh air return vents, or open windows. Excessive air flow may prevent any CO from reaching the sensors.
• In direct sunlight.