Yes, carbon monoxide alarms are required where a new or replacement fixed combustion appliance is installed.
Owner-occupied homes in England and Wales should follow The Building Regulations Approved Document J for combustion appliances and fuel storage systems. Requirement J3 states that, where a new or replacement fixed combustion appliance is provided, appropriate provision shall be made to detect and give warning of the release of carbon monoxide. Government guidance recommends the use of 'tamper-proof' or 'sealed for life' alarms such as those using lithium batteries, or alternatively mains-powered models which are directly wired into the mains electrical supply as opposed to plug-in types.
Please see our page on carbon monoxide alarm legislation for more specific guidance or view our range of suitable carbon monoxide alarms.
Reviewed: 14/09/2023 (doc:536 V1.0). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.
