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Carbon Monoxide Detector or Smoke Dectector or both?

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Pete Humphrey

Pete Humphrey

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Professional Status
Certified Residential Appraiser
State
California
Does anyone here feel confident about telling the difference between a 1) Smoke Dector a 2) Carbon Monoxide Dector or a 3) combination unit.

Here is CA we have had to check for these on purchases only in 2012, but as of the new year 2013, it will be on all properties per the CA Health & Safety Code 17926, a. 2: For all other existing dwelling units intended for human occupancy on or before January 1, 2013. (thanks to VolcanoLvr for sharing this reference with me!)

Often I've had these pointed out to me by the homeowner installed on the ceiling, just like a smoke detector. But how am I supposed to tell the difference?! Sometimes I really wish they'd make home inspections a requirement! I'm getting tired of being expected to be a home inspector!
 
I did not even realize there is a combo device. At my residence the smoke detectors go on the ceilings and the carbon monoxide ones get plugged into a regular electrical outlet on the wall.

The only thing they have in common are those awful test sounds.
 
Its pretty simple with the system I have. I had hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in my house last year. The detectors are First Alert brand. I have combos in the common areas and smokes in the bedrooms. On the front cover the smokes are embosssed with "Smoke Alarm" and the combos have printed lettering that says "Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm". On the combos each warning light is labeled with a smoke icon for the smoke alaram and a carbon monoxide icon for the other. I can't speak to other brands but the newer First Alert detectors are clearly labeled if you look closely.
 
I think the alarm sounds are different too. Use the "test" button.
 
I thought CO was heavier than air and that's the reason for the detectors down lower in the room?
 
There is one appraisal firm up here that charges 1.5k for every order.

They send a home inspector, surveyor, and have an in house review of every order.

As you can imagine, they typically service 1m+ orders.
 
Mounting of CO Alarms is per the manufacturer instructions, and the building code.

They can be plug in wall socket types, mounted on a wall, or on the ceiling. Read the instructions.

This is info from Washington State:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that kills approximately 500 people in the United States every year. Carbon monoxide killed over 1,000 Washington residents between 1990 and 2005. You cannot hear, taste, see or smell carbon monoxide. In many cases of reported carbon monoxide poisoning, victims were aware they were not well, but became so disoriented that they were unable to save themselves by either exiting the building or calling for assistance. Young children and household pets are typically the first affected.
Carbon monoxide alarms are intended to trigger at carbon monoxide levels below those that cause a loss of ability to react to the danger of carbon monoxide exposure.
Where alarms need to be installed:
The building code (WAC 51-51-0315) requires that an alarm be installed: (1) outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of each bedroom; (2) on each level of the dwelling***; and (3) in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The building code also requires that single station carbon monoxide alarms comply with UL 2034. 2 There are no exceptions for properties that do not have fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage. The alarms may be battery operated and can be purchased for as little as $25 from a variety of sources.
***This implies that alarms must be on each level regardless of presence or lack thereof bedroom(s)
 
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