Carbon Monoxide Laws for Massachusetts

There can be different interpretations of this law. This is simply a guideline as to how we view this law. Contact your local fire department with any specific questions.

• All Residential Structures must have CO detectors installed by March 31, 2006:
  • Residential Structures are any place a person lives and sleeps, including single family homes, multi-family homes, and apartment buildings. It does not include hotels, motels, and other similar buildings.
  • An approved CO detector can be:
    • battery operated
    • plug-in with battery backup
    • hardwired with battery backup
    • combination CO/smoke detectors
      • smoke portion of combination detector must be photoelectric within 20 feet of any kitchen or bathroom
    • wireless
    • low voltage system
• Any of the above CO detectors must be installed on every level of the dwelling except crawlspaces.
  
• You must also have a CO detector within 10 feet of any bedroom.
  
• There is also an alternative option targeted for larger apartment buildings with a centralized heating system and enclosed parking. Please contact your local fire department for details.
  
• New construction or large renovations will be required to have hardwired interconnected CO detectors or low voltage systems.
  
• There are other details to this law and other related codes that may affect the type and placement of CO detectors in your home. Installing a CO detector according to the new law and in any area where there is fossil fuel burning equipment, even a wood or gas fireplace or stove, can be a safe way to consider protecting your home from carbon monoxide.
  
• Again, please contact your local fire department for details and requirements for your specific situation.

The question many people ask is why should I comply with this law and who is going to enforce this if I do not comply? The local head of the Fire Department will be the person in charge of enforcing this law. Even though this person will probably not go door to door and look in your house, there is a compelling reason to comply with this law even though no one may ever check on you -

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas and can be deadly if not discovered in time!!!

Having CO detectors in your home will protect you and your family from this danger. Also, for property owners, you will most likely want to comply for the safety of your tenants and for liability reasons.