carbon-monoxideinstallationsafety
I have a boiler in my kitchen closet. The installation instructions for my carbon monoxide detector say the detector should be:
at a horizontal distance of between 1m and 3m from the potential source
So it should be outside the closet.
on the same side of the partition as the potential source
So it should be inside the closet, assuming the closet door counts as a partition.
What should I do?
From International Residential Code, your local planning department is the final authority on what may or may not be done after inspecting what modifications you are intending to do. This is a job that requires a permit and consultation with an experienced contractor.
R802.7.1 Sawn lumber. Notches in solid lumber joists, rafters, blocking and beams shall not exceed one-sixth of the depth of the member, shall not be longer than one-third of the depth of the member and shall not be located in the middle one-third of the span. Notches at the ends of the member shall not exceed one-fourth the depth of the member. The tension side of members 4 inches (102 mm) or greater in nominal thickness shall not be notched except at the ends of the members. The diameter of the holes bored or cut into members shall not exceed one-third the depth of the member. Holes shall not be closer than 2 inches (51 mm) to the top or bottom of the member, or to any other hole located in the member. Where the member is also notched, the hole shall not be closer than 2 inches (51 mm) to the notch.
The tension side of members: In normal gravity loading, this is the bottom of the beam, in cantilever, the top of the beam.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommend 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.
Positioning them at head height is recommended, and Be-Alarmed suggests:
Best Answer
I'll start by saying that I'm a big fan of following instructions. However, there are exceptions to rules sometimes.
Let's assume for the sake of argument that you don't spend an inordinate amount of time in the closet with the boiler and the door closed. So risk of CO poisoning in there is pretty slim.
Let's also assume that you spend time in the living space. If you place the CO detector in that living space, it should warn you of danger without being overloaded by proximity to the appliance.
So, I'd put it in the hall by the closet.