Carbon Monoxide – British Standard BS EN 50292:2013

*Please note, this standard has been superseded by EN 50292:2023. Find out more about the new standard here.

What is the British Standard BS EN 50292:2013?

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer: you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. This is why having carbon monoxide alarms installed throughout a property is so important, and is the only certified way to detect its presence and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The British Standard BS EN 50292:2013 offers recommendations on the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide alarms.

The standard states that a carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted in:

  • Rooms that have any fuel-burning appliances – such as an open fire, gas cooker or boiler
  • Rooms where people spend the most time – such as living rooms
  • Rooms where people sleep
  • Any room that has a flue running through it

This ensures that a carbon monoxide leak can be detected from all potential sources and heard throughout the property.

If you have a limited number of alarms then you should look to cover the areas that are at the highest risk:

  • Rooms with a flueless or open-flued appliance such as an open fire, gas cooker or portable heater – these appliances would leak carbon monoxide directly into the room producing the greatest risk
  • Rooms where the occupants spend the most time (living rooms, bedrooms) – this is to ensure that they are protected against any carbon monoxide exposure in these areas and also hear the alarm as soon as possible

Please visit ProjectSHOUT the National campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide for more information on CO.

Additional Things to Consider

You should look for a product that has been manufactured and approved (e.g. Kitemarked) to standards BS EN 50291-1:2010 (for domestic premises) and BS EN 50291-2:2010 (for caravans and boats). These standards show that the alarms have been extensively tested to ensure their quality, including sensor reaction times, minimum alarm sound levels and temperature resistance.