Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation

Proper Installation

Proper installation of mandated carbon monoxide detectors is vital to ensure early detection of the deadly gas. Carbon monoxide detectors come with manufacturer's instructions for installation. Those instructions should be followed closely.

Do not place a detector in a corner. To work properly, carbon monoxide detectors (as well as smoke detectors) need to be located three feet out from a corner. Carbon monoxide gas, as well as visible smoke, both tend to move up and toward the center of a room, not into corners. Units placed in corners may not detect the danger as early as a properly placed detector.

Types of Detectors

There are two types of detectors:

• Battery-Powered models - Placed higher on the wall.
• Plug-In models - Powered by electricity; generally placed toward the floor where electrical outlets are located.

Complying with the Law

Firefighters will inspect homes for both carbon monoxide and smoke detectors when called on a non-life-threatening matter or in case of fire. There are no citywide door-to-door inspections, and the fire department will not look for the detectors while out on a life-threatening call such as a cardiac arrest.

If firefighters go to a residence on a non-life-threatening matter or fire and discover a resident does not have a required detector, the resident will be informed of the law and given two weeks to comply. The fire department will reinspect the residence in two weeks. If a resident still does not have a carbon monoxide detector at that time, the City of East Peoria will work with them to bring them into compliance.