Carbon monoxide detection requirements can be confusing given the differences between existing and new building requirements, knowing where the detectors should be located and whether you need them at all. Any building that uses a fossil fuel burning appliance should have CO detection. The locations for that detection are varied and a subject for another post. However, for larger multiple dwelling residential and commercial buildings, the requirement of detecting CO that may be delivered via forced air ducts can cover a large range and several floors, so the method of detection needs to be efficient. NFPA 720 allows detection in the duct work before the first branch or at the first outlet of the duct (per floor if the fan serves more than one floor). One needs to remember the intent of duct detection, which is to prevent the spread of smoke or CO, not detect the presence in an occupied area. Duct detectors are never meant to, or are listed for, deployment in lieu of any required spot detection. If a code requirement calls for CO detection near a fossil fuel burning appliance, a CO duct detector mounted on duct work that serves the area that the appliance is in will not provide the early warning that the code intends. Use a duct mounted CO detector to shut down a fan, not for occupied space detection.
Honeywell & Gamewell-FCI provide a number of methods to detect CO. Give us a call at 630.434.7900 and ask to speak to me for more information.
Gene Rowe – Affiliated Fire Systems, Inc.
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