CO Alarms regulations and standards
 | EN 50291-1:2010 +A1:2012 Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises. Part 1: Test methods and performance requirements EN 50291-2:2010 Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises Part 2: Electrical apparatus for continuous operation in a fixed installations in recreational vehicles and similar premises including recreational craft - Additional test methods and performance requirements |
| EN 50292:2013 | Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises, caravans and boats - Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance |
| IS 813:2014+A1:2017 | Domestic gas Installations (edition 3) and Amendment 1:2017 |
| Technical Guidance - document J | Heat Producing Appliances |
Heat Producing Appliances Building Regulations 2014
Technical Guidance Document J
Part J the Requirement
Discharge of products of combustion | J2 (a) | A heat producing appliance shall have adequate provision for the discharge of the products of combustion to the outside air. |
Warning of release of Carbon Monoxide | J2 (b) | Reasonable provision shall be made to avoid danger to the health and safety of the occupants of a dwelling caused by the release of carbon monoxide from heat producing appliances. |
Summary of the key points
Carbon Monoxide:
To ensure proper combustion and removal of the products of combustion a heat producing appliance should be correctly installed and regularly serviced. The provision of an alarm in accordance with the guidance below should not be regarded as a substitute for this.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Where a new or replacement open-flued or flueless combustion appliance, not designed solely for cooking purposes, is installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm should be provided:
- In the room where the appliance is located and
- Either inside each bedroom or, within 5m (16ft.) of the bedroom door, measured along the path of the corridor.
Where a system chimney is being used, with any heat producing appliance and the flue passes within or over a habitable room, (whether encased or not), then a CO alarm should be fitted in the room.
Alarm type
A carbon monoxide alarm depends on a sensing element the output of which changes in the presence of carbon monoxide. It has a limited life span and may become obsolete even though the electric circuitry remains functioning which is why an end of life alarm is required.
The carbon monoxide alarm may give an end of life indication in accordance with the following criteria:
- Powered by a non-replaceable (sealed) battery unit where the battery life does not exceed the life of the sensor;
- Powered by mains electricity (not plug in type) where a timer is included to indicate the end of life of the unit;
- Powered by a replaceable battery where the timer is included to indicate the end of life of the unit
Carbon monoxide alarms should:
- Comply with I.S. EN 50291-1:2010/A1:2012; and
- Incorporate a visual and audible indicator to alert users when the working life of the alarm is due to pass; and
- The manufacturer should have a third-party certification confirming compliance with the standard.