What is EN 50291‑1:2018 / EN 50291‑2:2019?

EN 50291‑1:2018 / EN 50291‑2:2019 are the European product standards for Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms. Published by CENELEC, they specify safety, performance and test requirements—as well as marking and user instructions—for CO alarms used in domestic premises (Part 1) and in caravans, motor caravans and boats (Part 2).

• Scope & Application: Covers the safety, performance, and testing requirements for Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms used in Domestic premises (EN 50291‑1:2018) and in Caravans, motor caravans, and boats (EN 50291‑2:2019).
• Performance & Safety Requirements: Defines operational performance criteria, including alarm response thresholds, sensor behaviour, fault detection, acoustic output, LED indicators, and environmental stress testing to ensure alarms react correctly to CO exposure.
• Testing & Compliance: Specifies rigorous laboratory testing sequences covering temperature variation, humidity, vibration, data accuracy, lifespan indicators, and electromagnetic compatibility to ensure consistent reliability across multiple environments.

  Marking, Documentation & User Information: Requires clear user instructions, safety warnings, product markings, and compliance labelling, including model identification, power source details, and maintenance instructions.

  Installation Environment Requirements: EN 50291‑2 includes additional criteria for mobile/harsh environments (caravans and boats), ensuring alarms withstand movement, vibration, and temperature fluctuations typical in transportable structures.

  Integration with Product Development: Drives firmware, hardware and product updates—confirmed in Ei technical advisories where changes to Ei207, Ei208, Ei3018, Ei3028 and 3000 Series were implemented specifically to meet EN 50291‑1:2018 and EN 50291‑2:2019.