Installers favor CO detector laws Fire officials say current regulations could use some clarification
By Martha Entwistle
Updated Sun October 1, 2006
TRENTON, N.J.--Mandatory carbon monoxide detectors, with clearly delineated installation requirements, would be a good thing for the state of New Jersey, say fire installation companies.
State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Middlesex) in late June introduced legislation that would "require the installation and inspection of carbon monoxide detectors in homes when an oil-fired or natural gas water heater or furnace is installed," said Mike Biondi, legislative aide to Scutari.
While this legislation only addresses residential properties, it's a good idea, said Brian Campbell of Metro Fire and Safety of Carlstadt, N.J. Campbell would also like to see statewide legislation mandating and governing the installation of CO detectors at commercial sites.
Right now the "requirements for CO detectors are rather hazy," he said. Campbell is hoping to see legislation put in place that makes clear who is the authority having jurisdiction. The appropriate entity, he said, to oversee this kind of mandate would be the Division of Fire Safety.
Campbell and Dennis DeCarlo, of Metro Fire and Communications Systems in Bloomfield, N.J., noted that manufacturers are now coming out with new CO detectors in mass production.
CO detectors can easily be added onto an existing fire control panel with a "separate identified indicator," DeCarlo said.
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