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PEHSU Factsheet: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children and Pregnant People > Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

posted on Jan 31, 2022

In a residence, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level, including those with fuel-burning appliances, the basement, and outside of sleeping quarters. CO detector alarms (85 decibels) should meet the following alarm response times: at 70 ppm, unit must alarm within 60-240 minutes; at 150 ppm, unit must alarm within 10-50 minutes; at 400 ppm, unit must alarm within 4-15 minutes. CO detectors should be in compliance with the recommendations of recognized authorities, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Housing & Urban Development (HUD), and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).