sign in sign up
<<
Home , Fireplace

Limitations of Detectors

Manufacturer recommends that carbon monoxide (CO) or structure is less likely to awaken or alert people. Even detectors be located throughout a protected premise fol- persons who are awake may not notice the warning if lowing the recommendations of the current edition of the the alarm is muffled by noise from a stereo, radio, air National Protection Association Standard 720, National conditioner or other appliance, or by passing traffic. Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 720), manufacturer’s recommenda- Audible warning devices may not alert the hearing-im- tions, and state and local codes. While carbon monoxide paired (strobes or other devices should be provided to detectors are designed to provide warning against carbon warn these people). Any warning device may fail to alert monoxide, they do not guarantee warning or protection people with a disability, deep sleepers, people who have against carbon monoxide. Any alarm system with carbon recently used or drugs, or people on medication monoxide detectors is subject to compromise or failure to or sleeping pills. warn for a variety of reasons. For example: - Please note that: • Molecules of carbon monoxide may not reach the i) Strobes can, under certain circumstances, cause sei- sensing chambers of the carbon monoxide detector be- zures in people with conditions such as epilepsy. cause: ii) Carbon monoxide detectors may be installed as part - Barriers such as closed or partially closed , of a fire alarm system. Studies have shown that cer- , or chimneys may inhibit flow. tain people, even when they hear a fire alarm sig- - Molecules of carbon monoxide may be blown nal, do not respond or comprehend the meaning of away from detectors by air outlets. the signal. It is the property owner’s responsibility to conduct fire drills and other training exercises to In general, carbon monoxide detectors on one level of a make people aware of fire alarm signals and instruct structure cannot be expected to sense carbon monoxide de- on the proper reaction to alarm signals. veloping on another level. iii) In rare instances, the sounding of a warning device • The amount of carbon monoxide present may be insuf- can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. ficient to alarm carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon • Telephone lines needed to transmit alarm signals from Monoxide detectors are designed to alarm at various a premises to a central station may be out of service or levels of carbon monoxide density , or ppm (parts per temporarily out of service. For added protection against million). If such ppm levels are not created by develop- telephone line failure, backup radio transmission sys- ing carbon monoxide at the location of detectors, the tems are recommended. detectors will not go into alarm. • System components, though designed to last many • Carbon monoxide detectors are subject to false alarms years, can fail at any time. As a precautionary measure, and nuisance alarms. For example, a carbon monoxide it is recommended that carbon monoxide detectors be detector located too close to a burning appliance checked, maintained, and replaced per manufacturer’s may go into nuisance alarm during normal operation of recommendations. the appliance. If the location of a carbon monoxide de- •System components will not work without electrical tector causes an abundance of false alarms or nuisance power. If system batteries are not serviced or replaced alarms, do not disconnect the carbon monoxide de- regularly, they may not provide battery backup when AC tector; call a professional to analyze the situation and power fails. recommend a solution. • Environments with high air velocity or that are dusty or • Warning devices (including horns, sirens, bells, and dirty require more frequent maintenance. sounders on carbon monoxide detectors) may not alert In general, fire alarm systems with carbon monoxide de- people or wake up sleepers who are located on the other tectors will not work without power and will not function side of closed or partially open doors. A warning device properly unless they are maintained and tested regularly. that activates on a different or level of a dwelling

1 I56-2873-001 Requirements and recommendations for proper use of household carbon monoxide warning equipment:

Early carbon monoxide (CO) detection is best achieved operation of a visible alarm signal(s) in accordance with by the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide NFPA 720, section 2-3.2.3. The responsibility for compli- detection equipment in all and areas of the ance should be that of the householder. or in accordance with the requirements and rec- • Carbon monoxide detectors may be connected to a fire ommendations of the current edition of the National Fire alarm system. All fire alarm systems require notification Protection Association Standard 720, National Fire Alarm devices, including sirens, bells, horns, and/or strobes. In Code (NFPA 720), the manufacturer’s recommendations, residential applications, each automatic alarm initiating and State and local codes. For specific requirements, check device when activated shall cause the operation of an with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (ex. Fire Chief) alarm notification device that shall be clearly audible in for carbon monoxide detectors. all over ambient or background noise levels (at Requirements and Recommendations include: least 15dB above noise) with all intervening doors closed. • To keep your carbon monoxide detectors in excellent work- •A carbon monoxide alarm or detector should be installed ing order, ongoing maintenance is required per the manu- in any family living unit containing a fuel-burning appli- facturer’s recommendations and UL and NFPA standards. ance or fireplace or having an attached . At a minimum the requirements of Chapter 2, Section 2-5 • A carbon monoxide alarm or detector should be cen- of NFPA 720 shall be followed. Maintenance should be trally located outside of each separate sleeping area in performed annually by authorized personnel only. the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where bed- • The most common cause of an alarm system not func- rooms are separated and the audibility of the alarm or tioning when a heightened level of carbon monoxide detector to occupants within the area could be occurs is inadequate maintenance. As such, the alarm seriously impaired, more than one unit could be needed. system should be tested weekly to make sure all sensors Each alarm or detector should be located on the , and transmitters are working properly. , or other location as specified in the installation • Although designed for long life, fire alarm devices in- instructions that accompany the unit. cluding carbon monoxide detectors may fail at any time. • In a household occupied by one or more hearing im- It is recommended that residential carbon monoxide paired persons, each initiating device should cause the detectors shall be replaced per the manufacturer's rec- Typical System Installations per NFPA 720 ommendations. •Any carbon monoxide detector, fire alarm system or any component of that system which fails shall be repaired or replaced immediately.

BEDROOM

TO BEDROOMBR BEDROOM

KITCHEN GARAGE LIVING CLOSED

BASEMENT S0295-00

– CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM LOCATION FOR MULTI-LEVEL RESIDENCE

2 I56-2873-001