Carbon Monoxide Alarms Must Be Installed

Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in most new residential construction as of October 1, 2008 and in most existing residential buildings by April 1, 2010

As of October 1, 2008, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in most new "residential" buildings which have fuel burning appliances. The residential types include tourist rooming houses (cabins), bed and breakfast establishments, and any public building used for sleeping or lodging, such as hotels, motels, condominiums, apartment buildings, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, convents, seminaries, community-based residential facilities, and home shelters. Hospitals and nursing homes are not included.

The owners of existing buildings will have until April 1, 2010 to install the carbon monoxide alarms.

The new regulations were issued by the Department of Commerce as required by the legislation. Emergency Rule Relating to Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A. New tourist rooming houses (also cabins under the scope of Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code, Wis. Admin. Code § Comm 21.095) as of October 1, 2008:1. Installation of carbon monoxide alarms where any type of fuel burning appliances are installed.2. The carbon monoxide alarms must be continuously powered by the building's electrical service with battery backups.

B. New commercial buildings (Wis. Admin. Code § Comm 62.1200) as of October 1, 2008:1. Installation of carbon monoxide alarms where any type of fuel burning appliances are installed.2. The carbon monoxide alarms must be continuously powered by the building's electrical service with battery backups.

C. Commercial buildings existing on October 1, 2008, or receiving plan approval prior to October 1, 2008:1. Installation of carbon monoxide alarms by April 1, 2010.2. No mandatory type of power sources for the carbon monoxide alarms is specified, thereby allowing batteries, electrical outlet plug-ins or wiring to the building's electrical service.3. Omission of carbon monoxide alarms is allowed provided there are no attached garages and all of the fuel burning appliances are of sealed combustion type either under warranty or annually inspected for carbon monoxide emissions.