CO Detection is the LAW

You may have seen your local hardware store trying to push you on Carbon Monoxide detectors stating its the law.  Read below to know for yourself!

The new requirements in the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) and the International Building Code (IBC) require the installation of CO detection in new and existing Group-R and Group-I occupancies, such as hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings, hospitals and nursing homes.

Section 908.7 of the 2012 IFC and IBC requires CO detection to be installed in “newly” constructed Group-R and Group-I occupancies if the building contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Also CO alarms shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment, and the manufacturer’s instructions.


Section 1103.9 of the IFC covers the requirements for existing Group-R and Group-I occupancies, these requirements are the same as those in 908.7 for newly constructed occupancies.




If sleeping units or dwelling units do not contain a fuel-burning appliance or have an attached garage, however are located within a building with a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage, CO detection is not required if any of the following conditions are present:

• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story above or below any story that contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage
• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation shafts to an attached garage or any room containing a fuel-burning appliance
• The building is provided with a common area CO alarm system.  Also, Section 908.7.1 of the 2012 IBC and IFC clearly permits system connected CO detectors to be installed as a primary form of protection if they are installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720 and listed as complying
with ANSI/UL 2075.