Ontario Building Code CO Alarm Requirements | empcontracting.ca Inc. London, Ontario
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we find that the interconnection requirements of Section 6.9.3.4 are the most overlooked aspect during Muskoka cottage renovations and Oakville multi-unit builds. Ensuring that an alarm in a basement service room triggers audibility in upstairs bedrooms is a life-saving OBC mandate that we strictly enforce on every site to protect our clients."
Understanding the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is essential for life safety in residential and care occupancies. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we prioritize these standards to ensure your property remains compliant and safe.
Section 6.9.3.2: CO Alarms in Residential and Care Occupancies
The OBC mandates specific placement for CO alarms to protect sleeping occupants from the "silent killer." Requirements include:
- Sleeping Rooms: Must have a CO alarm if the room contains a fuel-burning appliance or flue, or shares a wall/ceiling with a service room or storage garage.
- Public Corridors: Alarms are required in corridors served by forced-air fuel-burning appliances.
- Spacing: In undivided corridors, alarms must not exceed 25 meters apart, with at least one alarm in every divided portion.
Section 6.9.3.3: Service Rooms and Shared Building Areas
Mandatory Installation in Building Service Areas
Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in service rooms that contain fuel-burning building services or laundry equipment, provided these areas are outside individual residential suites. This ensures that maintenance areas do not become a source of undetected gas leaks for the rest of the structure.
Section 6.9.3.4: Installation Standards and Electrical Conformance
Hardwiring and Battery Backups
Except in buildings without electrical power, all CO alarms must be permanently connected to an electrical circuit with no disconnect switch. They must include a battery backup capable of powering the unit for 8 hours in standby and 12 hours in full alarm mode during power outages.
Interconnectivity and Audibility
The code requires that when one CO alarm in a suite or corridor is triggered, all alarms in that area must activate. Furthermore, alarms must be audible within sleeping rooms even with doors closed, and must conform to CAN/CSA-6.19 or UL 2034 standards. Visual signaling components are also required except in off-grid buildings.
Disclaimer: This content is generated from the Ontario Building Code for educational purposes. Always consult with a licensed professional engineer or your local building department before starting any construction project in London, Ontario.