Understanding New Ontario Fire Code Rules for Carbon Monoxide Alarms on Every Floor
- Iqbal Gillani
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent threat that can cause serious harm or death without warning. Recognizing this danger, Ontario has introduced new fire code rules requiring carbon monoxide alarms on every floor of residential buildings. These changes aim to improve safety and reduce the risk of CO poisoning in homes across the province.
This article explains the new requirements, why they matter, and how homeowners can comply. Whether you live in a single-family house, a duplex, or a multi-storey apartment, understanding these rules will help protect your family and property.
Carbon monoxide alarm installed on a ceiling in a home
What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It Dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, wood, or charcoal. Common household sources include:
Furnaces and boilers
Gas stoves and ovens
Fireplaces and wood stoves
Portable generators
Vehicles running in attached garages
Because CO is invisible and has no smell, people can be exposed without realizing it. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death.
According to the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, hundreds of people in Canada require emergency treatment for CO poisoning each year. Installing alarms is the most effective way to detect CO early and prevent harm.
Overview of the New Ontario Fire Code Rules
The updated Ontario Fire Code mandates that carbon monoxide alarms must be installed on every floor of residential buildings where fuel-burning appliances or attached garages exist. This rule applies to:
Single-family homes
Duplexes
Multi-unit residential buildings
Key points of the new requirements include:
Alarms must be installed outside sleeping areas on each floor.
If a floor contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage, an alarm is mandatory.
Alarms must meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification.
Battery-operated or hardwired alarms with battery backup are acceptable.
Existing homes must comply by a specified deadline, typically within a few years of the rule’s enactment.
These rules aim to close gaps in protection. Previously, many homes only had alarms near bedrooms or on the main floor, leaving other areas vulnerable.
How to Comply with the New Rules
Homeowners should take the following steps to meet the new fire code requirements:
1. Identify All Floors and Potential CO Sources
Walk through your home and note:
Number of floors, including basements and finished attics
Locations of fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, or gas stoves
Presence of attached garages
2. Purchase Certified Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Look for alarms that:
Are CSA certified (look for the CSA mark on packaging)
Have a loud, clear alarm sound
Include battery backup if hardwired
3. Install Alarms Properly
Install alarms:
On every floor, outside sleeping areas
At least 5 feet from fuel-burning appliances to avoid false alarms
On the ceiling or high on a wall, following manufacturer instructions
4. Test and Maintain Alarms Regularly
Test alarms monthly using the test button
Replace batteries annually or as needed
Replace alarms every 5 to 7 years, depending on manufacturer guidelines
5. Keep Records of Installation and Maintenance
Documenting installation dates and maintenance can help with insurance claims or inspections.
Benefits of Installing Carbon Monoxide Alarms on Every Floor
Adding alarms on every floor offers several advantages:
Early detection: CO can spread quickly through a home. Multiple alarms increase the chance of early warning.
Improved safety: Protects all occupants, including those sleeping on upper or lower floors.
Peace of mind: Knowing your home meets safety standards reduces worry.
Compliance with law: Avoids fines or penalties for non-compliance.
Potential insurance benefits: Some insurers offer discounts for homes with proper safety devices.
Common Questions About the New Fire Code Rules
Do I Need to Replace My Existing CO Alarms?
If your current alarms are CSA certified and installed correctly on every floor, you may not need to replace them. However, if you lack alarms on any floor or your alarms are outdated, upgrades are necessary.
What If My Home Does Not Have Fuel-Burning Appliances?
If your home has no fuel-burning appliances and no attached garage, the requirement may not apply. Still, installing alarms is a good safety practice.
Can I Use Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms?
Yes, combination alarms that detect both smoke and CO are allowed and can reduce the number of devices needed.
Who Enforces These Rules?
Local fire departments and building inspectors enforce the Ontario Fire Code. They may conduct inspections during property sales or renovations.
Practical Tips for Homeowners
Plan your alarm locations carefully. Avoid placing alarms near windows, vents, or humid areas.
Use interconnected alarms if possible, so when one sounds, all alarms in the home sound.
Educate your family about CO risks and alarm signals.
Have a CO safety plan including evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
Consider professional installation if unsure about wiring or placement.
Real-Life Example: How New Rules Prevented a Tragedy
In a recent case, a family in Ontario had a CO leak from a faulty furnace in their basement. Because they had alarms only on the main floor, the CO buildup went undetected in the basement and bedrooms upstairs. After the new fire code rules were introduced, the family installed alarms on every floor. A few months later, a similar leak occurred, but the alarm on the basement floor alerted them early. They evacuated safely and called emergency services, preventing serious injury.
