Detector Time

Are you one of the many among us breaking the law by leaving houses and the people who live in them defenseless to the silent killer, carbon monoxide? In the Real Estate field, we come across too many houses without carbon monoxide detectors, despite the fact that the laws requiring them are several years old. Granted, notification about the laws has been pathetic and confusing at best.

Anyone with common sense had more questions than answers after reading the technical mumbo-jumbo contained in the publications regarding the laws.

For instance: “Each carbon monoxide molecule is composed of a single carbon atom bonded to a single oxygen atom……” Let the snoring begin.

Here’s the truth: The carbon monoxide detector law is in two parts. One part is for homeowners and the other part is for rental property owners.

Homeowners were required to have installed carbon monoxide detectors in their homes by July 1, 2011.

Rental property owners were required to have installed Carbon Monoxide Detectors in their rental properties by January 1, 2013.

Any property with an appliance or heater that burns fuel of any kind (wood, gas, oil, charcoal, coal; anything that burns) must comply. Think heaters, water heaters, dryers, fireplaces, and the like.

To the lingering questions:

  1. Where exactly in each home or rental unit should the carbon monoxide detectors be installed?
  2. The technical wording of the law goes like this: “Install the devices in a manner consistent with building standards applicable for the relevant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions, if it is technically feasible to do so.”

For interpretation we went to the Chico Fire Department:

“Unfortunately the law doesn’t speak to exact placement of the Detectors,” said the Information Officer, “but we recommend installing Detectors centrally located outside of all bedroom areas in the house, and on all floors of multi-story homes, including basements.”

The officer offered more: “We recommend buying detectors that have battery back-up, because many Carbon Monoxide poisonings happen when the power goes out. People try to heat their homes with unvented heaters like barbecues and space heaters. The exhaust is deadly from those types of heaters.” She was also adamant about checking the batteries in detectors regularly. “Most importantly,” she added, “follow the installation and maintenance recommendations included in the packaging with the detector you’ve bought, and call the 800 number provided, with any questions.”

  1. Both plug-in and ceiling-mounted models of detectors are on the market. Is it okay to plug the detectors in at floor level?
  2. Carbon Monoxide is “neutrally buoyant” in air, slightly lighter than air, so it builds slowly, according to the Fire Department. Therefore, a floor-level detector will work theoretically, but might not be advisable because it could be dislodged or tampered with more easily. Kids or dogs or stumbling people are likely culprits. There are many varieties of ceiling-mounted models available, including combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors.
  3. What’s the big deal with Carbon Monoxide?
  4. Unfortunately, there are far too many cases of Carbon Monoxide poisonings and deaths. The gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. It disorients its victims, puts them to sleep, and eventually kills them, when all they need is some fresh air.

By the way, the Chico Fire Department makes themselves available to speak to groups about all subjects of fire safety. They know their stuff, and don’t speak in terms of technical mumbo-jumbo.