There’s a New State Law Requiring the Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home.
What Do You Need To Know?
In 2006, the Illinois General Assembly passed a new law which requires the
placement of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in residences.
Public Act 94-741 mandates that every dwelling unit in Illinois must be equipped
with at least one carbon monoxide alarm within
15 feet
of every room used for sleeping purposes.
This law is effective January 1, 2007.
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas
which can cause poisoning when inhaled. Carbon Monoxide is produced by the
incomplete combustion of organic fossil fuels such as oil, gas, or coal. In
normal conditions, the combustion process (the addition of oxygen) will result
in carbon in the fossil fuel, combining with oxygen, in the air, to produce
Carbon Dioxide (CO2), the same substance we exhale when we breathe.
However, if there is a lack of air for the combustion process or the heating
appliance is faulty, Carbon Monoxide can be produced. When CO is inhaled in the
body it combines with the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen. If a
person is exposed to CO over a period, it can cause illness and even death.
WHAT IS THE MAIN REQUIREMENT UNDER THE NEW LAW?
The new law mandates that every dwelling unit must be equipped with at least one
approved carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition within 15 feet of every
room used for sleeping purposes. A dwelling unit, defined as a room or suite of
rooms used for human habitation, would include a single-family residence as well
as each living unit of a multiple-family residence and each living unit in a
mixed use building.
ARE THERE ANY EXEMPTIONS TO THIS REQUIREMENT?
The law exempts residential units that are in buildings that: (1) do not
rely on combustion of fossil fuel for heat, ventilation or hot water; and (2)
are not connected in any way to a garage; and (3) are not sufficiently close to
any ventilated source of carbon monoxide. Buildings that have electric heat are
exempt.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ABOUT THE TYPE OF DETECTOR OR ALARM THAT
MUST BE USED?
The law allows three different types of alarms to be used to meet the
requirement. The alarm can be battery-powered, a plug-in style (with battery
back-up) or it can be wired into the AC power line with secondary battery
back-up.
The Carbon Monoxide alarm must bear the label of a nationally recognized testing
laboratory and must comply with the most recent standards of the Underwriters
Laboratories. Look for the “UL” symbol on the package. If you are not sure,
check with the retailer and read the description and the instructions on the box
containing the alarm.
CAN YOU USE ONE ALARM SYSTEM TO MEET STATE LAWS THAT MANDATE BOTH A SMOKE
DETECTOR AND A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?
YES. The Carbon Monoxide alarm may be combined with the smoke detector
provided that combined unit emits an alarm in a manner that clearly
differentiates the hazard.
GENERALLY, HOW MUCH DO ALARMS COST?
The price range per alarm is $18 to $50 depending on the features of the
alarm. Generally, alarms are available from hardware stores or larger retailers
of home products.
IS THERE A PENALTY IF I DO NOT INSTALL A DETECTOR?
Willful failure to install a detector is a Class B misdemeanor. Tampering
with, or removing, destroying, disconnecting an alarm (except in inspection or
maintenance) is a Class A misdemeanor.