10 Year Life Carbon Monoxide Alarm - Kidde K5CO

CO detectors should be installed near potential sources of carbon monoxide, essentially any fuel-burning appliances such as boilers, cookers and ovens, fireplaces (both open and enclosed burners), and portable generators. As you are likely to be most affected by CO in areas of your home that you spend the most time in it is advisable to install alarms in those areas as well, such as the living room and bedrooms. It is also worth noting that while one detector is better than no detectors at all, larger homes may require several detectors to cover the property fully.

Also note that carbon monoxide has been proven to spread into neighbouring properties through open windows and, in semi-detached or terrace houses, through loft spaces. If your property has an attached garage with a connecting door through to the house, it is recommended to fit a CO alarm inside the house leading from that doorway.

Battery powered carbon monoxide alarms can typically be installed wall-mounted or left free-standing on flat, level surface.

• Near an appliance: they should be placed within 1 to 3 metres horizontally from the appliance and between the height of the appliance to 150mm below the ceiling – i.e., not above a stove where it would be in the path of steam or fumes.
• In living spaces: they should be positioned close to where the occupant's head is likely to be most of the time – e.g., on your bedside table.

Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling and should be at least 30cm away from any wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.

Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.

For more information, please check the manufacturer's instructions – you can download the PDF manual from the relevant product page on our site. You can also watch our video guide to positioning CO detectors.

The symptoms of CO poisoning can range from mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, confusion, nausea and dizziness to more severe symptoms like breathing difficulties and irregular heartbeat. CO poisoning can ultimately lead to coma and death.

View more symptoms on our carbon monoxide information page.

Most legislation advises at least one carbon monoxide alarm is fitted near new or replacement fuel-burning appliances that are fixed installations, though rented properties (both social and private sector) often require CO alarms be provided by landlords even if no appliances are being installed or replaced. Examples include boilers, coal fires, wood burners, and gas ovens and cookers, though an exception is often made in legislation for gas appliances solely used for cooking.

However, any and all materials can give off CO when burning, including gas cookers. Carbon monoxide can also spread from neighbouring properties or outside sources such as vehicle fumes. Because of this, Safelincs strongly recommends the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in every home, and also at head-height in bedrooms to protect occupants while sleeping.

Landlords, please see our pages for English, Welsh, and Scottish alarms or our landlord guidance page for more information.

No, normal smoke alarms cannot detect carbon monoxide (CO). Only combined smoke and CO alarms can detect both fire and carbon monoxide gas.

In short: yes, but there isn't just one, single rule to follow.

Legislative requirements for carbon monoxide alarms vary by which country of the UK your house is in and whether it is rented or owner-occupied. Most legislation requires at least one carbon monoxide alarm is fitted near new or replacement fuel-burning appliances (e.g. boiler, oven, fire place), specifically either 'tamper-proof' / 'sealed for life' alarms such as those using lithium batteries, or alternatively mains-powered models which are directly wired into mains supply as opposed to plug-in types. Some countries have exceptions for fuel-burning appliances used solely for cooking. Rented properties mostly require a CO alarm immediately even if no appliances are being installed or replaced.

Please see our page on carbon monoxide alarm legislation for more specific guidance, links to relevant legislation & government guidance, and links to carbon monoxide alarms suitable for each. Alternatively, please view our full range of carbon monoxide alarms if you already know what type you need.