How far should a co detector be from a bedroom door?

Author: Keshaun Schroeder DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, June 25, 2026

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.

Should a carbon monoxide detector be placed high or low?

The physical properties of carbon monoxide (CO) and the detectors themselves make positioning critical for your protection. CO is lighter than air and as it rises, it accumulates near ceilings. Detectors need to be placed higher on the walls or on the ceiling, but not so high that they're easy to ignore.

Why not put a carbon monoxide detector in the bedroom?

You really shouldn't have this in your room. It can cause you to breath in exhaust fumes and make you sick. Not to mention the severe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Where not to install a carbon monoxide detector?

A carbon monoxide detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms. For more information about carbon monoxide safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association.

How many feet from the door can carbon monoxide sensor be placed?

Requires that every building for which a building permit is issued for new construction on or after July 1, 2008, and having a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage, shall have an approved operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping ...

Smoke Detector Location Requirements

Where is the best place to put a carbon monoxide detector in a bedroom?

Carbon monoxide is lighter than air. It also rises with warm air, so the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends placing a carbon monoxide detector on a wall about five feet above the floor or about eye level. You can put them on the ceiling, too.

How far away from bedroom should carbon monoxide be?

We recommend that you have a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of each bedroom door, 10 feet is even better if you can afford more detectors. If two bedroom doors are 30 feet apart or less, then place one in the middle. If however they are more than 30 feet apart you will need more than one detector.

How close does a carbon monoxide detector need to be?

However, in general, carbon monoxide alarms should be positioned at head height, either on a wall or shelf, approximately 1-3 metres away from a potential source of carbon monoxide.

What can falsely set off a carbon monoxide detector?

Common causes of false alarms of carbon monoxide:
  • Close to cooking sources (10 feet minimum)
  • Close to sources of humidity (10-20 feet)
  • Near fireplaces.
  • Near water heaters.
  • Near furnaces.
  • Located in a poorly ventilated location like a garage, kitchen, or closet.

Does CO2 rise or fall in a room?

CO2 levels rise and fall regularly indoors. There are many factors that affect CO2 levels including ventilation, amount of people, and length of time in an enclosed space.

Will sleeping with window open prevent carbon monoxide?

Even if you keep the doors and windows open, it does not guarantee ventilation. Also, do not run these sources less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent so exhaust can escape into an enclosed space.

Should carbon monoxide alarm be on ceiling or wall?

Alarms should be sited on the ceiling. Should be fitted between 1m–3m from all potential sources of Carbon Monoxide. Sited 300mm from walls, light fittings or any obstructions – this is to ensure that they are outside of any 'dead air' spaces that occur in corners and spaces where the airflow may be blocked.

What is the code requirement for carbon monoxide detectors?

Carbon monoxide requirements (R315) Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in the following locations: 1. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. 2. On every occupiable level of a dwelling unit, including basements.

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector in every room?

Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of your home so all family members can hear the alarms and be alerted to the emergency. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area.

Does carbon dioxide rise or sink?

This demonstration proves that gases do indeed have mass (or, more specifically, differing densities that enable them to rise and sink relative to each other). The carbon dioxide is more dense than the air surrounding it, so bubbles of the gas fall to the ground.

What is the best height for a carbon monoxide detector?

Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance.

What if the carbon monoxide alarm goes off but no fire?

Call for Help: If you cannot identify a simple reason for the alarm (like a low battery) or if you suspect elevated levels of CO, call emergency services or the fire department immediately.

Where should you avoid installing a carbon monoxide detector?

The following locations can either create a false alarm or avoid your detector from properly identifying the CO levels in your home:
  1. In close proximity to any fuel-burning appliance.
  2. In excessively humid areas such as your bathroom.
  3. In direct sunlight.
  4. Near any sources of blowing air such as a fan, vent or open window.

Why do carbon monoxide alarms go off at night?

Your carbon monoxide alarm is going off for one of the following reasons: It is doing its job properly and detects CO pollution in the air. It is a false alarm caused by other household items. The detector is malfunctioning or the batteries need changing.

What is the proper location for a carbon monoxide detector?

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage.

What is the range of a carbon monoxide detector?

The alarm thresholds, set by CO concentration measured in parts per million (ppm), are: no alarm below 30 ppm until after 30 days; 70 ppm for one to four hours (but not less than one hour); 150 ppm for 10 to 50 minutes; 400 ppm for four to 15 minutes.

What will set off a carbon monoxide detector?

A fuel-burning appliance throws off tiny, trace amounts of carbon monoxide. Having your detector too close may cause its sensors to alarm. It is recommended that you place your detectors at least 15-feet away from these fuel-burning appliances or devices.

Can you put a carbon monoxide alarm in a bedroom?

It's really important to fit a CO alarm in all rooms containing fuel burning appliances, ensuring that the alarm is able to be heard throughout your home. When sleeping, it is important that your alarm would wake you if it sounds. You therefore may wish to keep a CO alarm in the bedroom.

Does carbon monoxide go to the ceiling or the floor?

Carbon monoxide detectors can be placed anywhere in the room. Contrary to popular belief that CO is heavier than air, CO alarms can be placed on the wall or the ceiling and will be just as effective.

Are plug-in carbon monoxide detectors good?

Are Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detectors Effective? Yes, plug-in monitors work just as well as battery-powered devices. The best plug-in carbon monoxide detector for your home is one with a battery backup. That way, you know your monitor will also work in case of a power outage.

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