Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
Table of contents
- What are carbon monoxide (CO) alarms?
- What carbon monoxide (CO) alarm should I get?
- Carbon monoxide alarm (CO) regulations
- Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms for landlords
- Frequently asked questions
- Been affected by carbon monoxide?
What are carbon monoxide (CO) alarms?
Carbon monoxide alarms are an alert for a possible carbon monoxide leak. They should be installed in and around your home, as described in the manufacturer guidelines, and work much like your fire or smoke alarm by sounding an alarm when they detect carbon monoxide – which is a colourless, odourless and tasteless poisonous gas.
Modern carbon monoxide alarms look like smoke alarms (standard smoke alarms do not detect carbon monoxide) and you can purchase one at most major retail outlets, including DIY stores and supermarkets. It’s advisable to fit a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas appliance, following the manufacturer’s fitting instructions carefully. Typically, carbon monoxide alarms have a lifetime of between 5-10 years.
What carbon monoxide (CO) alarm should I get?
An audible carbon monoxide alarm is recommended. To ensure their effectiveness, make sure any carbon monoxide alarm you buy has a Kitemark to standards BS EN 50291-1:2010 (for domestic premises) and/or BS EN 50291-2:2010 (for caravans and boats).
Type A carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms are also sometimes required to be "type A". Type A alarms are fitted with an output function for triggering ancillary devices such as remote alarms or specialist alarms for elderly or disabled persons.
Black spot detectors
We do not recommend the use of ‘black spot detector’ warning strips because they don’t emit a sound, so they won’t alert you if you have a carbon monoxide (CO) leak whilst you’re asleep.
If you’re unsure which carbon monoxide alarm to get, you can ask a Gas Safe registered engineer for advice.
Carbon monoxide alarm (CO) regulations
To ensure their effectiveness, make sure any carbon monoxide alarm you has a Kitemark to standards BS EN 50291-1:2010 (for domestic premises) and/or BS EN 50291-2:2010 (for caravans and boats).
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms for landlords
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have slightly different regulations when it comes to carbon monoxide alarms. Please ensure you know the carbon monoxide rules for your nation:
Know the carbon monoxide alarm regulations for your nation
- England from 1st of October 2022 - Guidance: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Northern Ireland from 31st October 2012, carbon monoxide alarms are a mandatory requirement for all homes where a new fossil fuel appliance is installed. Link: https://www.hseni.gov.uk/articles/carbon-monoxide-alarms
- Scotland from 1st of February 2022 - Guidance: Fire and smoke alarms: changes to the law - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
- Wales from 1st of December - Guidance: Housing law is changing: Renting Homes Wales | GOV.WALES
Frequently asked questions
Are carbon monoxide detectors/ alarms required by law?
Please refer to the section “Know the carbon monoxide alarm regulations for your nation” above to find out more.
Can a carbon monoxide alarm detect gas leaks?
Depending on the make and model of your carbon monoxide alarm it may have additional functionality over detecting just carbon monoxide. Please refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for more information.
Do carbon monoxide detectors/ alarms expire?
Yes, most carbon monoxide detectors have a five-to-ten-year life span. Please consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for more information.
Why is my carbon monoxide alarm beeping?
Depending on the model of carbon monoxide alarm there may be several reasons why a carbon monoxide alarm is beeping from low battery to a device fault. Please consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Please note that if the alarm is sounding continuously this could be due to carbon monoxide being present in the air. Please ensure you turn off your gas supply, open windows and doors, leave the property and contact your nations gas emergency helpline.
Do carbon monoxide alarms beep when the battery is low?
Most modern carbon monoxide alarms have a low battery notification. This could be an audible beep or flashing light on the device. Please consult the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
Been affected by carbon monoxide?
If you have been affected by carbon monoxide and would like to share your story, please get in touch with us by email.
The Gas Safe Charity have created a short film explaining the sources, signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning using British Sign Language. You can view the short film at the YouTube URL below:
Related Help Topics
Featured Content
Gas Safety In The Home
Find the latest advice and guidance on how to stay safe at home
New Gas Appliance Installation
If you’re having a new gas appliance installed, here’s some good guidance on the process you’ll go through.
What To Do in a Gas Emergency
Find out the steps you need to take in a gas emergency.