Safety & inspections
Carbon monoxide detector installation
Carbon monoxide detector installation adds hardwired, interconnected CO alarms near sleeping areas and on each level, so a leak from a furnace, water heater, generator or attached garage sets off every alarm in the home.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Licensed, independent electricians
- 48 states + DC
About carbon monoxide detector installation
Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible. It comes from fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters and ranges, from vehicles in attached garages, and from generators run too close to a home.
Most states and many cities require CO alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, and hardwired, interconnected alarms are typically required during renovations. Combination smoke and CO alarms can cover both needs in one device.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation at a glance
- Safety & inspections
- Who does the work
- An independent licensed electrician
- Urgent calls
- Usually scheduled
- Typical first step
- Plan locations
Signs you need this
- Gas furnace, boiler, water heater or range in the home
- An attached garage
- A generator used during outages
- Old alarms past their replacement date
- Renovations or a sale that require updated alarms
What the electrician does
- 1
Plan locations
The electrician maps required locations under local code, usually outside sleeping areas and on each level.
- 2
Run wiring
Interconnect wiring is fished through walls and ceilings from an existing circuit.
- 3
Install and interconnect
Hardwired alarms with battery backup are mounted and linked together.
- 4
Test
Every alarm is tested to confirm one sets off all.
What affects the cost
Electricians set their own prices. These are the factors that move a quote up or down, so you can compare like for like.
- Number of alarms and levels
- Ceiling and attic access
- Combination smoke/CO units versus separate alarms
- Plaster or finished ceilings
- Permit requirements
What you can do safely, and when to stop
Safe to do
- ✓ Test alarms monthly
- ✓ Replace batteries and replace alarms by their expiration date
Stop and call
- ✕ If a CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911
- ✕ Do not run generators indoors or in a garage
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation FAQ
Where should CO detectors go?
Usually outside each sleeping area and on every level, following the manufacturer and local code.
Are carbon monoxide detectors required?
Most states require them in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Rules vary, so check local requirements.
Can I get a combination smoke and CO alarm?
Yes. Combination units cover both hazards in one device and can be hardwired and interconnected.
How long do CO alarms last?
Many last 7 to 10 years; check the date on the alarm.
What do I do if a CO alarm goes off?
Get everyone outside to fresh air and call 911 or the fire department.
Where electricians offer this
Local guides to carbon monoxide detector installation in cities where local housing makes it a common job:
By state:
Available through our network in 48 states and DC. Metro guides:
Related services
Smoke & CO Detector Installation
Hardwired smoke alarms should be replaced about every 10 years, and interconnected so one alarm sounds them all.
Learn more →
Electrical Safety Inspection
An electrical safety inspection is a hands-on check of the panel, wiring, grounding, devices and protection by a licensed electrician.
Learn more →
Generator Installation
A generator must connect through a transfer switch or an approved interlock so it can never feed power back into utility lines.
Learn more →Need help with carbon monoxide detector installation?
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