where should a carbon monoxide detector be placed
Daniel Johnston
Updated on June 24, 2026
A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed on every floor of a home, including the basement and near sleeping areas. It should also be installed near or over an attached garage at least 5 feet off the floor or on the ceiling.
Where should a carbon monoxide detector be placed in the UK?
Carbon Monoxide alarms should be fitted in every room that contains a fuel burning appliance. They should be at least 300 mm from any wall (for ceiling mounted alarms) At least 150 mm from the ceiling, above the height of any door or window (for. wall mounted alarms)
Can carbon monoxide detectors be placed low?
Why carbon monoxide (CO) alarms don’t need to be installed near the floor. There’s a myth that carbon monoxide alarms should be installed lower on the wall because carbon monoxide is heavier than air. In fact, carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and diffuses evenly throughout the room.
Should I put a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen?
Ideally, you should have carbon monoxide detectors placed throughout your home, as you do smoke alarms. You should place a CO detector in each major area of your home: in the kitchen, in your living/dining room, in your bedrooms, and the office.
How many CO detectors should you have?
As mentioned, the CPSC recommends at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of a home, outside sleeping areas. The recommendation is based on having a minimum number of detectors.
How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need UK?
Where alarms should be situated. The regulations do not stipulate where the alarms should be placed, just that at least one smoke alarm should be on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a solid fuel burning appliance.
How far from wood stove should carbon monoxide detector be?
Do not install the carbon monoxide detector directly above or next to your wood burning stove or it may create a false alarm when it detects a small amount of carbon monoxide on start up. If you are planning to only install one carbon monoxide detector, be sure to install it where it will wake you if you are sleeping.
Do you need a carbon monoxide detector for a gas hob?
If you have an appliance that burns fuel in your home, such as a gas, LPG, oil or wood boiler, you’ll need a carbon monoxide alarm in every room that fuel is burned in. Also, install a CO alarm if you have a wood or coal burning fire or a wood burner.
Does carbon monoxide rise to the ceiling?
Carbon monoxide is also known as the “silent killer” since it’s an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It’s slightly lighter than air but not enough to rise to the ceiling in a room. Instead, it tends to disperse itself, mixing with the air and spreading throughout a space.
Does carbon monoxide float or sink?
There are three things that make carbon monoxide extremely dangerous: 1) The molecules of carbon monoxide are so small, they can easily travel through drywall; 2) Carbon monoxide doesn’t sink or rise – it mixes easily with the air inside a home; 3) It is an odorless gas, so without an alarm to notify you that it is in
Does carbon dioxide rise or fall in a room?
Typically, carbon dioxide levels rise during the night when people are sleeping, especially if the door and windows are closed. The concentrations then fall during the day if the room is unoccupied.
What can falsely set off a carbon monoxide detector?
CO alarms become erratic once expired. This is the most common reason for false alarms. Excessive moisture from a bathroom may set off your CO alarm. CO alarms should not be installed in areas with excessive steam.
Can a shower set off a carbon monoxide detector?
Bathrooms. Do not put CO alarms in bathrooms, saunas, hot tub, steam rooms or any other rooms that have moist or humid conditions.
What produces carbon monoxide in a home?
Carbon Monoxide Sources in the Home
CO is produced whenever a material burns. Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have CO problems Common sources of CO in our homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as: Clothes dryers. Water heaters.
Do I have to have a carbon monoxide detector in every room?
It is important to install CO alarms on every level of your house so all family members can hear the detectors and be alerted to the emergency. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and common rooms for extra safety while you and your family are sleeping.
Do I need both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are two of the most important safety devices in your home. Bottom line, you need both smoke detectors AND carbon monoxide detectors to keep you and your family safe.
What kind of carbon monoxide detector should I buy?
Our top pick is the Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector for its great features, budget-friendly price, and easy installation. The two power sources (plug-in and battery) and the digital display make it the top choice for us.