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Where to put carbon monoxide alarms

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says to use battery-operated CO alarms, or alarms with battery backup, on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Avoid spots near heating vents or where furniture or draperies could cover the alarm. CPSC does not recommend installing alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.

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Where to put carbon monoxide alarms

Checklist

  • Put a CO alarm on every level of the homeOnce
  • Put one outside each sleeping areaOnce
  • Keep alarms away from heating vents and from furniture or draperies that could cover themWhen placing
  • Do not install alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliancesWhen placing
  • Look for the UL 2034 standard on the packageWhen buying
  • Test and replace as the manufacturer instructs; check the replacement age in the product literaturePer manufacturer

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Where they go

CPSC says alarms may be plugged into a receptacle or mounted high on the wall. Hard-wired or plug-in alarms should have battery backup. Interconnected alarms are preferred, so all of them sound when one does.

Where they do not go

CPSC advises avoiding spots near heating vents or where furniture or draperies could cover the alarm, and does not recommend kitchens or the area above fuel-burning appliances.

Testing and replacing

CPSC gives no fixed test schedule or battery interval; follow the manufacturer. A test button checks whether the circuitry is working, not whether the sensor is accurate. Each alarm has a recommended replacement age, which you can find in the product literature or from the manufacturer.

If the alarm sounds

CPSC says that if an alarm reactivates within 24 hours of your returning home, repeat the evacuation steps and call a qualified appliance technician. Follow the evacuation steps in the alarm manufacturer's instructions.

What you'll need

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Questions

Where should carbon monoxide detectors be placed?

On every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, per CPSC. Plug-in or high on the wall, away from vents and anything that could cover them.

Should I put a CO alarm in the kitchen?

CPSC does not recommend installing alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.

How often should I replace a CO alarm?

CPSC gives no fixed number of years. Each alarm has its own recommended replacement age in the product literature or from the manufacturer.

Sources

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General guidance for typical homes. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions and local codes, and hire a pro for anything you're not comfortable doing.