Hello everybody. I am looking forward to picking a few brains on this forum!

[russ]

I understand what they do. I am certain you do but I am not so sure about the rest of the world.

Usually it is good to have a CO detector if you have a wood burning stove or run a gas generator close to the living quarters.

Really it is a fire detector - better yet use a products of combustion detector

[SunEagle]

Really it is a fire detector - better yet use a products of combustion detector

Good point russ.

Most fire detectors pick up the particles that have not been totally burned but are the result of a burning process.

[Ian S]

The typical smoke detector is not going to react to carbon monoxide and since carbon monoxide can be produced without necessarily having smoke present, you really need both types of detectors in any home where there are gas appliances in or near living quarters. Carbon monoxide is an insidious poison since it is colorless and odorless. As you breathe it in, it gets into your bloodstream and binds to the hemoglobin among other things. In doing so, it prevents oxygen transfer from the blood to the tissues and organs. If you're lucky, you'll get a headache and figure out something is wrong. If you're not lucky, you'll become confused, fall unconscious and die. Even if you are rescued alive, severe brain damage can occur.

[inetdog]

And the news from California:

As of July 1, 2011, the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill-
SB 183) requires all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source
to install carbon monoxide alarms within the home. Owners of multi-family leased or
rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, are required to comply with the law by
January 1, 2013.

This is enforced whenever the house changes hands, as well as when a building permit is pulled for any purpose.
But it is required period, and Big Brother may be watching:

19. How do enforcing agencies gain entry into private single-family residence to
enforce the requirements?
California Building Code, Chapter 2 and Health and Safety Code, Section 17920
provide a definition that states, “…diligent effort to secure compliance, including review
of plans and permit applications, response to complaints, citation of violations, and other
legal process. Except as otherwise provided in this part, “enforcement” may, but need
not, include inspections of existing buildings on which no complaint or permit application
has been filed, and effort to secure compliance as to these buildings”. As always, it is
advisable that enforcing agencies consult with their legal counsel regarding the
enforcement of these provisions on existing single-family residence.

[Sunking]

Although not required, I would recommend anyone with gas heating to have a CO detector. I now of two families who wished they had one. One family is still alive because someone came home in time to find everyone unconscious and was able to revive everyone. The other family of 5 were not that lucky and all perished. Both families had the same problem; a leak in the exhaust flew that leaked CO into the house air supply. Today you can get the combo fire/CO for $40 with a 10 year battery. Worth every penny IMHO if you have gas heating.

[SunEagle]

Although not required, I would recommend anyone with gas heating to have a CO detector. I now of two families who wished they had one. One family is still alive because someone came home in time to find everyone unconscious and was able to revive everyone. The other family of 5 were not that lucky and all perished. Both families had the same problem; a leak in the exhaust flew that leaked CO into the house air supply. Today you can get the combo fire/CO for $40 with a 10 year battery. Worth every penny IMHO if you have gas heating.

I agree. A CO monitor is a good thing to have but as you thought they were not required by any building code. But according to the previous post by inetdog it looks like California passed legislation that requires one in any home that has either a gas appliance or a car parked in an attached garage.

[inetdog]

Worth every penny IMHO if you have gas heating.

Gas heating includes domestic hot water if the heater is in an interior space. (I once bought a house which had been remodeled leaving the gas water heater inside where the garage used to be. Added outside ventilation first thing.)
Or wood stove(s) (although you might notice an extra smoke odor).

Or even things you should NEVER under any circumstances do, such as running your generator in an attached garage , or setting a Hibachi in your fireplace to cook dinner when the power goes out.

[SunEagle]

Gas heating includes domestic hot water if the heater is in an interior space. (I once bought a house which had been remodeled leaving the gas water heater inside where the garage used to be. Added outside ventilation first thing.)
Or wood stove(s) (although you might notice an extra smoke odor).

Or even things you should NEVER under any circumstances do, such as running your generator in an attached garage , or setting a Hibachi in your fireplace to cook dinner when the power goes out.

Even a fireplace that was burning wood which burned down can introduce CO back into the home if the air flow up the stack is blocked.

[Mike90250]

.......Today you can get the combo fire/CO for $40 with a 10 year battery. Worth every penny IMHO if you have gas heating.

HA ! And the joke is, the CO sensor is good for 5 years. My alarms are programmed to go off then, and announce CO Expired, till you blast the gadget with a shotgun!