New Carbon Monoxide Detector Regulations

Effective April 7, 2003, the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs adopted regulations that provide for the installation of Carbon Monoxide alarms in one and two-family homes.  Under the requirements of the new regulation, CO alarms are required to be provided in the immediate vicinity of all sleeping rooms in buildings of Use Group I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3. R-4 or R-5 that contain fuel-burning appliances or have attached garages.  Open parking structures, as defined by the New Jersey Building Subcode, are not considered attached garages.

Under the regulations, CO alarms are required to be manufactured, listed, and labeled in accordance with UL 2034 entitled "Single- and Multiple-Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms."  The alarms may be battery-operated, hard wired or plug in type, and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL-2034 and shall be installed with the requirements of the section, and NFPA-720.  

For installations in the immediate vicinity of sleeping rooms, the alarm notification appliance is required to be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels, and with all intervening doors closed.  The devices shall have a minimum rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet.

IF YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR ALARM ACTIVATES:

• Gather all family members together in a predetermined meeting place and check to be sure everyone is present.
• Call 9-1-1.  Leave the building immediately.  Do not re-enter until responders say it is safe to do so.

Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion.  Carbon monoxide is invisible. There will be no smoke or haze to betray its presence.  Carbon monoxide is odorless.  Carbon monoxide is deadly.  

For more information, contact you local fire department.

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