2009 WASHINGTON STATE BUILDING CODE (WAC 51-50) RESIDENTIAL CODE (WAC 51-51) FIRE CODE (WAC 51-54) CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM REQUIREMENTS IN THE 2009 WASHINGTON STATE BUILDING CODE
Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50) Section 907 requires CO alarms in Occupancy Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3. CO alarms are required by January 1, 2011 in new construction. CO alarms are required by July 1, 2011 in existing sleeping and dwelling units. Owner-occupied Group R-3 residences legally occupied prior to July 1, 2010 are exempt. Alarms must comply with UL 2034 and be installed in accordance with this code and manufacturers’ instructions.
Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) Section 315 requires approved CO alarms be installed by January 1, 2011 for new construction, and by July 1, 2011 for existing dwellings. Where a tenancy exists the tenant shall maintain the alarm as specified by the manufacturer, including replacement of the batteries. Owner-occupied detached one-family dwellings legally occupied prior to July 1, 2010 are exempt. Single station alarms must comply with UL 2034 and be installed in accordance with this code and manufacturers’ instructions.
Washington State Fire Code (WAC 51-54) Section 907 requires CO alarms in R-1, R-2 and R-3. CO alarms are required by January 1, 2011 for new construction. CO alarms are required by July 1, 2011 for existing sleeping and dwelling units. Owner-occupied Group R-3 residences legally occupied prior to July 1, 2010 are exempt. Single station alarms must comply with UL 2034 and be installed in accordance with this code and manufacturers’ instructions. Where a tenancy exists the tenant shall maintain the alarm as specified by the manufacturer, including replacement of the batteries.
CO Alarm Requirements Battery operated:Electric/battery backup: Must meet UL 2034 standard. Batteries must be checked and replaced on a regular basis. Can be placed wherever needed; not limited by availability of electrical outlets. Digital readout is available. Must meet UL 2034 standard. Simple to install-plug into an electric outlet. Standard battery back-up system is included. Includes digital readout of CO level.
CO Alarm Requirements, cont. Hard-wired system: Combination CO/smoke alarms: Must meet UL 2034 standard. Should have battery back- up. Can be system-connected, i.e., wired to fire or security panel. Can be monitored by central station. Must meet UL 2034 standard. May be placed on ceilings. Can be system-connected. Hard-wired systems available.