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If your smoke alarm is sounding continuously, first check there is no smoke or fire in your property. If no fire or smoke is present, or the alarm is beeping intermittently, there are three main reasons why this may be happening:
Read our in-depth smoke alarm troubleshooting guide to find a full list of reasons and solutions.
Smoke alarms can be either screwed to the ceiling using the holes on the base plate (screws provided), or fixed in place using either a self-adhesive sticky pad or a self-adhesive magnetic mounting kit.
There is no legal or BSI requirement to test CO detectors with a test gas. It is usually sufficient to check your CO detector is working by using the test button on the detector. For peace of mind sign up to our free reminder service.
Concentration of CO in the air | Implications of Exposure |
10 parts per million (ppm) | Threshold at which prolonged exposure can have adverse effects on the body and brain. This can include neuropsychological and cardiovascular issues. |
50 parts per million (ppm) | Safety level as specified by the Health and Safety Executive for a maximum of 30 minutes. |
200 PPM | Slight headache within 2-3 hours. |
400 PPM | Frontal headache within 1-2 hours, becoming widespread in 3 hours. |
800 PPM | Dizziness, nausea, convulsions within 45 minutes, insensible in 2 hours. |
CO detectors should be installed near potential sources of carbon monoxide, essentially any fuel-burning appliances. As you are likely to be most affected by CO in areas of your home that you spend the most time in it is advisable to install alarms in those areas as well, such as at head height in the living room and bedrooms. If your property has an attached garage with a connecting door through to the house, it is recommended to fit a CO alarm inside the house leading from that doorway.
Carbon monoxide has been proven to spread into neighbouring properties through open windows, as well as through loft spaces in semi-detached or terrace houses.
Battery powered carbon monoxide alarms can typically be installed wall-mounted or left free-standing on flat, level surface. Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling.
Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.
For more information, please check the manufacturer's instructions – you can download the PDF manual from the relevant product page on our site. You can also watch our video guide to positioning CO detectors.
CO detectors should be installed near potential sources of carbon monoxide, essentially any fuel-burning appliances such as boilers, cookers and ovens, fireplaces (both open and enclosed burners), and portable generators. As you are likely to be most affected by CO in areas of your home that you spend the most time in it is advisable to install alarms in those areas as well, such as the living room and bedrooms. It is also worth noting that while one detector is better than no detectors at all, larger homes may require several detectors to cover the property fully.
Also note that carbon monoxide has been proven to spread into neighbouring properties through open windows and, in semi-detached or terrace houses, through loft spaces. If your property has an attached garage with a connecting door through to the house, it is recommended to fit a CO alarm inside the house leading from that doorway.
Battery powered carbon monoxide alarms can typically be installed wall-mounted or left free-standing on flat, level surface.
Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling and should be at least 30cm away from any wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.
Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.
For more information, please check the manufacturer's instructions – you can download the PDF manual from the relevant product page on our site. You can also watch our video guide to positioning CO detectors.
Most legislation advises at least one carbon monoxide alarm is fitted near new or replacement fuel-burning appliances that are fixed installations, though rented properties (both social and private sector) often require CO alarms be provided by landlords even if no appliances are being installed or replaced. Examples include boilers, coal fires, wood burners, and gas ovens and cookers, though an exception is often made in legislation for gas appliances solely used for cooking.
However, any and all materials can give off CO when burning, including gas cookers. Carbon monoxide can also spread from neighbouring properties or outside sources such as vehicle fumes. Because of this, Safelincs strongly recommends the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in every home, and also at head-height in bedrooms to protect occupants while sleeping.
Landlords, please see our pages for English, Welsh, and Scottish alarms or our landlord guidance page for more information.
Reviewed: 14/09/2023 (doc:536 V1.0). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.