Smoke & CO Detector Inspection

Smoke detectors required in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level. Ceiling-mounted preferred. Interconnected (when one sounds, all sound).

1. Check for a smoke detector in every bedroom

2. Check for a detector in the hallway outside sleeping areas

3. Verify one on every level including basement

4. Check mounting — ceiling mount preferred, or high on wall (4-12" from ceiling)

5. Not near kitchen (minimum 10 feet from cooking appliance) or bathroom (steam triggers false alarms)

6. Test each detector — press and hold test button until alarm sounds

7. Verify detectors are interconnected — when you test one, all should sound

8. Check detector age — replace after 10 years (check date on back)

- Missing detectors in bedrooms

- No detector on every level

- Detectors not interconnected

- Detector too close to kitchen (constant false alarms — residents disable it)

- Expired detectors (over 10 years old)

- Battery-only instead of hardwired with battery backup

CO detectors required outside sleeping areas on every level with fuel-burning appliances. Required near attached garages. Replace per manufacturer's date (typically 5-10 years — check the date on the back of the unit).

1. Check for CO detector outside each sleeping area

2. Verify CO detector on every level with fuel-burning appliances (furnace, water heater, fireplace)

3. Check for CO detector near attached garage

4. Verify mounting location — can be ceiling or wall mounted (follow manufacturer instructions)

5. Test each detector — press and hold test button

6. Check detector age — replace per manufacturer's date (typically 5-10 years — check the date on the back of the unit)

7. Verify interconnection with smoke detectors if combination units

- No CO detector with fuel-burning appliances in home

- Missing detector near attached garage

- Expired CO detector (shorter lifespan than smoke detectors)

- Detector too close to appliance (follow manufacturer's recommended distance from fuel-burning appliances, typically 5-20 feet depending on model)

- No detector in basement with furnace

Detectors should be tested monthly and batteries replaced annually (for battery-operated or battery-backup units). Detectors should be cleaned regularly.

1. Test all detectors — press test button for 3-5 seconds, alarm should sound

2. Check battery age — replace annually or when low-battery chirp starts

3. Vacuum or dust detector vents (dust reduces sensitivity)

4. Check for any detectors that have been removed or disconnected

5. Verify batteries are installed (open and check if possible)

6. Check that no furniture, curtains, or decorations block detector airflow

7. Record test date and plan monthly testing routine

- Detectors with dead batteries

- Detectors removed (usually due to false alarms — should be relocated, not removed)

- Detectors covered by paint, dust, or decoration

- No regular testing routine

- Wrong battery type installed

- Detectors chirping and ignored