CO Advice

Carbon monoxide protection: Take a proactive approach this winter

It’s estimated there are around 60 deaths due to accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning throughout England and Wales each year. 

As the winter season quickly approaches and individuals increase their use of solid fuel burning appliances, Steve Boggis, Director of Business Development for FireAngel, discusses how electrical contractors can ensure residential properties are adequately protected against CO and the technologies they should be installing to achieve the highest standards of safety.  

Alarms provide the only method of detecting the presence of CO, due to the poisonous gas being tasteless, odourless and colourless. Following amendments to the Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations coming into force in 2022, all private and socially rented homes require a CO alarm to be fitted by law when any new or replacement solid fuel burning appliance is installed, in addition to all rooms where there is a solid fuel burning appliance throughout private residential properties.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the installation of a CO alarm throughout all types of residential properties is more important than ever, as many individuals delayed the annual servicing of their appliances, including boilers.

Here are the key considerations professionals should address when recommending and installing CO alarms throughout residential properties this winter season:

FireAngel’s Specification Range FS1326-T

Placement

In accordance with European Standard EN 50292, CO alarms should be fitted in the same room as fuel-burning appliances, such as an open fire, gas cooker or boiler, and can be either wall or ceiling mounted.

It is advised that additional alarms should be located in bedrooms relatively close to the breathing zone of the occupants, whilst alarms should also be installed in any room where there is a flue running through it.

For ceiling mounted installations, the alarms should be at least 300mm away from any wall. For wall mounted alarms, they should be at least 150mm from the ceiling and above the height of any door or window.

For both types of installations, the alarms should be between one and three metres away from the potential source of CO, to ensure the highest standards of detection.

CO alarms should not be installed within enclosed spaces, directly above sinks or next to a source of ventilation, such as a door, window, extractor fan or air vent. It is also important to ensure the alarm is not installed in a location where the temperature may exceed 40°C or drop below -10°C.

Certification

With the continued rise in ecommerce, some online resellers may be supplying devices that only display the CE mark. Installers should always ensure that CO alarms are approved to European standard EN 50291-1 and carry a third-party approval mark, such as the BSI Kitemark to demonstrate independent testing and certification to the standard.

CO Statistics

According to a report from Cadent Gas it is reported that at least 4,000 people in England and Wales have to attend emergency departments as a result of CO poisoning.

Data from English Housing Survey from 2020-2021 also shows that 54% of homes in England do not have a carbon monoxide alarm in their homes.

Interlinked technologies

To achieve best practice installations, installers should look to fit CO alarms that meet current regulations. This includes FireAngel’s Specification Range FS1326-T Wireless Interlink Carbon Monoxide Alarm, which features a 10-year sealed for life lithium battery, combined with advanced electrochemical sensors and intelligence diagnostics.

Smart RF Ready for enhanced protection, the device can be wirelessly interlinked with additional FireAngel Smart RF enabled smoke and heat alarms to form a private network. This means when one alarm sounds, they all sound, providing the earliest possible warning of the presence of CO, in addition to fire.

To create a wireless interlinked network, simply fit a Smart RF Radio module into the alarm, either upon initial installation, or at a later date, and interlink multiple smoke, heat and CO alarms together onto a hybrid network.

The CO alarm is supplied with a 5 year warranty and is suitable for use in any room with a fuel burning appliance e.g living room, kitchen, bedrooms and garage. The alarm’s unique diagnostic capability also provides a report that details the time, date and level of CO within the property to provide the highest standards of protection and compliance.

FireAngel’s enhanced Specification Range, featuring Smart RF technology, has been designed to provide installers and their clients with a cost-effective, energy efficient solution that can be easily and instantly upgraded to ensure complete compliance and provide the highest standards in CO and fire safety.

Find out more information on FireAngel’s Specification Range or contact your local specification manager.