Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 148, Section 26F 1/2
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations 527 CMR 31.00
Effective March 31, 2006
» Carbon monoxide detectors are required to be located on every level of a home or dwelling unit including habitable portions of basements and attics.
1. On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors.
2. CO alarms do not go inside garages, but in adjacent living spaces.
NOTE: All carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Several types of alarms are allowed; they include:
• Battery powered with battery monitoring;
• Plug-in (AC powered units) with battery back-up;
• AC primary power (hard wired-with battery back-up)
• Low voltage or wireless alarms;
• Qualified combination smoke detectors and CO alarms*.
*Acceptable combination smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms must have simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between the two types of emergencies.
Combination smoke/CO detectors placed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom must be photoelectric.
CO alarms are approved by an independent testing company such as Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL), Underwriter’s Laboratory of Canada (ULC), or International Approval Service/Canadian Standards Association (IAS/CSA). Be sure to look for the approval label when buying CO alarms.
NOTE: The CO requirement for unvented appliances, 527 CMR 30, is considered in addition to these regulations
Fire Prevention Office
978-287-0072
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