Carbon Monoxide Detection
NY State Carbon Monoxide Detector Commercial Code Update And Reference
It is our intent to educate our customers on the needs required by this new code and NFPA-720 and to design and install systems to the highest level to protect your facility and employees properly.
As of June 27th 2015, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council (the Code Council) and the Department of State have adopted a rule that amends the Uniform Code by adding provisions requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detection (carbon monoxide alarms or carbon monoxide detection systems) in all new and existing commercial buildings (including, but not limited to, all buildings that contain one or more restaurants).
The code also has a timeline! The “transition period” for existing commercial buildings runs from June 27, 2015 to June 27, 2016. During the transition period, owners of existing commercial buildings are encouraged to install carbon monoxide detection as quickly as practicable. However, during the transition period, the owner of an existing commercial building will not be deemed to be in violation of Section 1228.4 if the owner provides the authority having jurisdiction with a written statement certifying that such owner is attempting in good faith to install carbon monoxide detection that complies with the requirements of new Section 1228.4 in such owner’s existing commercial building as quickly as practicable.
Note that the “transition period” provisions do not allow the owner of an existing commercial building to do nothing during the transition period. During the transition period, an existing commercial building that does not have carbon monoxide detection will be considered to be in violation of new Section 1228.4 unless the owner of the building provides the AHJ with a written statement certifying that the owner is attempting in good faith to install carbon monoxide detection as quickly as practicable. In addition, carbon monoxide detection that satisfies the requirements of new Section 1228.4 must be installed and must be fully operational in all existing commercial buildings by the end of the transition period.
Main points of codes (NFPA 720 and NYS section 1228.4 of Part 1228 of Title 19)
This is intended as a simplified guide and is not meant to rewrite the codes, consult your AHJ for specific requirements in your town.
- The building must have gas burning appliances (hot water tank, furnace, boiler, gas oven, etc).
- Install carbon monoxide detection in every 10,000 square feet of space (a detector every 100’).
- CO alarm signals need to be distinct from other signals (cannot ring your fire alarm horns/bells) and panels/keypads should give a distinct description of the CO alarm and its location.
- CO detectors need to signal end of life sensor failure at control panel (detectors last 5-7 years depending on manufacturer).
- The detectors need to be inspected yearly.
- The systems need to have backup power sufficient to operate under normal load for 24 hours, and then for 12 hours after the initial 24 hours without power.
- The detectors should be hardwired and battery backed up, central station monitoring is optional but in many cases the detectors can be incorporated into a security system or fire alarm system which would allow them to be monitored without additional cost. There is a provision for a 10-year battery operated detector (only in existing buildings, new construction requires hardwiring) that is UL listed for commercial buildings, however they currently don’t exist. Also, if you’re installing a new alarm system it is required to add CO detection.
