Placement of your combination smoke and CO detectors is much the same as mounting individual detectors. And because the smoke CO detector is not hardwired, installation is easy. According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in the following spots:
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On each level of a multilevel home
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Near bedrooms and sleeping areas
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Any other areas required by law
To make sure you’re protected again carbon monoxide, combination detectors should also be mounted in the following locations:
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Near sources of CO.Place CO detectors 5-20 feet from common sources of carbon monoxide in the home, such as your water heater, furnace, or space heaters. Make sure you don’t place detectors too close to the sources, which could result in false alarms.
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Near your attached garage. Running vehicles produce carbon monoxide through their exhaust systems. When a car is in motion or idling in an open space, carbon monoxide and other emissions dissipate and are released into the air as pollution. In enclosed spaces like a garage, however, the concentration of CO can quickly reach deadly levels and can seep into your home.
Try to place detectors approximately 6 inches above or below the ceiling. If ceiling mounted, the detector should be positioned at least 6 inches away from the wall. Other things to keep in mind:
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Smoke and CO detectors should always be 5 to 15 feet away from fuel burning appliances.
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Nothing should cover or obstruct the detector.
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Avoid placing detectors next to exterior doors and windows.
Keep in mind that these are minimum requirements. Depending on the size of your home you may need additional detectors.