NC Department of InsuranceOffice of the State Fire Marshal - Engineering Division
1202 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1202 919-661-5880
R313 - Carbon Monoxide Alarms in One-and-Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses Code: 2009 NC Residential Code Date: April 1, 2011
Section: R313
The North Carolina Building Code Council approved an amendment to the 2009 NC Residential Code that revises Section R313 to require the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in new and existing one-and-two-family dwellings and townhouses. The amendment has an effective date of January 1, 2011 and reads as follows:
R313.1.1 Carbon monoxide alarms. In new construction, dwelling units shall be provided with an approved carbon monoxide alarm installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) as directed by the alarm manufacturer.
R313.1.2 Where required-existing dwellings. In existing dwellings, where interior alterations, repairs, fuel-fired appliance replacements, or additions requiring a permit occurs, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Section 313.1.1.
R313.1.3 Alarm requirements. The required carbon monoxide alarms shall be audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. Single station carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed as complying with UL 2034 and shall be installed in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Implementation and enforcement of the above code section has generated a number of questions. Included below is a list of the most significant questions and the DOI, Engineering Division’s response: