CO/smoke detector

L

Leonan

Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
Electrician
Hello everyone, how far away from a gas heater should I install a CO/smoke detector in a basement?

The manufacturer says a minimum of 15 feet away, however. The inspector required it to be placed no more than 10 feet from the machine.
 
We put them at the bottom of the stairs. Could be 40'-50' away. Where is the inspector getting 10'?
 
Leonan said:
I honestly don't know where he got that from. I placed it 25 feet away from the Furnace and he asked me to place it no more than 10 feet away.
Click to expand...
Ask for a code reference. As you've stated the manufacturer has a minimum recommendation which must be followed.
 
You reference a “gas heater”. Assuming this is not the buildings primary heat source,,..I believe the code would require it to be a listed UL tested etc on the heater and therefore placement of a co detector would be required to be where the manufacturer requires. This would be aside from any otherwise required co detectors; here in NYS we have Amanda’s Law which requires a single co detector on “the lowest level having a sleeping area.”.( for a forced air system) Don’t take my word for it tho look up your local regs
 
The CO alarm is protecting occupants of the house not the gas appliance.

Something like a central furnace with a bad heat exchanger may not even operate an adjacent CO alarm in an acceptable time frame as the CO is being pumped all around the house. Especially if no heating vent is in the vicinity of the furnace.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top