Homeowners in California have until July 1 2011 to install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in
their homes in order to comply with a new state law. California Health & Safety Code § 17926 to
17926.2 now requires the installation of approved carbon monoxide detectors in single-family
dwellings with attached garages, fireplaces, or any gas appliances. All other dwellings are
required to install them by 2013 if those dwellings contain a fossil fuel burning heater/appliance,
fireplace, or an attached garage.  This law applies to all rental properties as well.  This law also
imposes a $100 fine for non-compliant dwellings. The California Building Code has enacted a
similar requirement, which states that all new homes built after January 1 2011 must have the
detectors installed. The bill SB 183 which was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in May
2010 was aimed at preventing deaths and injuries caused by the odorless and colorless gas.
California homeowners can purchase carbon monoxide detectors at their local hardware or retail
store and should follow the instructions closely when installing the devices.    All CO detectors
shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the
bedrooms, and each detector  shall be located on the wall (CO detectors can be placed near the
ceiling or near the floor because CO is very close to the same density as air), ceiling or other
location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit. The Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway
outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed
into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have
battery backup. Avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or
draperies. CPSC does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning
appliances. People requesting home loans will have to show that they have installed the CO
detectors in their homes. The CO detectors cost approximately $20.00- $60.00.
A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of the carbon
monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is a colorless and
odorless compound produced by incomplete combustion. It is often referred to as the "silent
killer" because it is virtually undetectable without using detection technology.  All alarms should
be installed according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
For a link to the legislation:  http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0151-0200/sb_183_bill_20100507_chaptered.pdf