Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Use of Dual Technology Ruling
1/10/2014 • 10 years ago
The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 10 years ago.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Use of Dual Technology Ruling
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) Issues Ruling
Below is a ruling from the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) regarding Carbon Monoxide Protection and the use of dual technology. This advisory was necessary to clarify some confusion and to provide a means for compliance for both the traditional 110 v and low voltage systems that are available in the market place.
The BFPR has always wanted a clear way to distinguish between fire and carbon monoxide detection and notification. This advisory ruling does this in a manner consistent with the BFPR’s original intention of clear distinction of type of alarm. In doing so, it is the intent that the alphanumeric display indicates a distinctive alphanumeric message (digital or embossed) for the alarm condition of smoke and carbon monoxide. This message is to use the words smoke or carbon monoxide and not a zone designation, such as zone 1.
If you have any further questions please contact the Code Compliance and Enforcement Unit at (978) 567-3375 or in Western MA at (413) 587-3181.
MEMORANDUM
To: All Interested Parties
From: The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
Date: January 9, 2014
RE: 527 CMR 31.00 – Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Use of Dual Technology
On December 5, 2013, the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. Chapter 30A, s. 8, has made the following interpretation regarding the use of low voltage household warning systems, installed in three dwelling units or less, which provide both smoke and carbon monoxide detection with separate means of notification.
Such systems will meet the definition of "combination appliance" as used in 527 CMR 31.00, if:
a. Each combination applicable produces a distinctive audible and visual alarm signal
for smoke and carbon monoxide;
b. The system and its components are installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and 720;
c. There is an indicating device installed in each dwelling unit;
d. Each dwelling unit has a control unit or annunciator which displays a distinctive alphanumeric message (digital or embossed) distinguishing between "smoke" and "carbon monoxide"; and
e. Each indicating device is installed in an accessible area within the dwelling unit and is clearly visible at all times.