REGULATORY ALERT: CO Detectors Required Feb. 1, 2011

All one- and two-family dwellings will be required to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to comply with changes in Chs. Comm 21 and 28, Wis. Adm. Code. The rule changes are in response to 2009 Act 158, enacted March 10, 2010, and follow a similar requirement for multi-family dwellings. Spearhead by Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) and Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay), this initiative was part of the 2009-2010 WBA GA Agenda.

"WBA's support of the requirement of carbon monoxide detectors in homes is another example of WBA members' efforts to construct safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes" said WBA President Jim (Kuba) Kubasta.

One- and two-family dwellings for which a building permit is issued on or after Febrauary 1, 2011 require carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected and directly wired to the dwelling's electrical service, with a backup battery supply. Existing dwellings may use battery-powered, stand-alone alarms. The alarms must be installed in the basement and on each floor level except the attic or garage. On floors with sleeping areas, an alarm must be installed outside the sleeping area, within 21 feet of the centerline of the door to any sleeping area and in an exit path from any sleeping area. On floors that do not contain a sleeping area, an alarm must be installed in a common area on each floor level. The detectors are to be installed pursuant to the manufacturer's directions, and must have an Underwriters Laboratories listing mark. The alarm may also be combined with a smoke detector.
Click here for a printable PDF Flyer.

The law applies only to dwellings that contain CO sources. CO sources may include, but are not limited to: garages, heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances or cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products or other fuels emitting Co as a by-product of combustion.

The rules are available here. For more information regarding carbon monoxide alarms in both one- and two-family dwellings, and multifamily dwellings, as well as information regarding smoke alarms, click here.