New California Law to Require Residential CO Detectors

California homeowners will be required to install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors starting in July 2011 under a bill signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that aims to prevent deaths and injuries caused by poisoning from the odorless, colorless gas.

The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (SB 183), signed May 7, will complement provisions in the 2010 California Residential Code and 2010 California Building Code that require the installation of CO detection and notification devices in new dwellings in the state, beginning in January 2011.

With passage of the law, California joins more than two dozen other states in requiring CO protection in homes and other residential and commercial occupancies, according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), which supported the legislation.

“The enactment of this bill – and the adoption of similar provisions in the 2010 state codes – will reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning and protect the health and safety of California’s families and tourists,” says NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis.

CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, according to NEMA.

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