Briefing
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by incomplete combustion and cannot be seen or smelled. High concentrations can cause unconsciousness and death within minutes. In view of this, a carbon monoxide alarm is a sensible safety measure in many homes, but it does not replace the professional installation, commissioning and regular maintenance of heating appliances. (As at 4 November 2026).
The technical basis is provided by the EN/DIN 50291 series of standards, which sets requirements for the design, testing procedures, alarm levels and operating performance of CO alarms. Recognised testing and certification bodies such as VdS recommend tested devices; follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting height and commissioning.
Practical recommendations from fire services, testing organisations and consumer protection groups: If you install only one alarm, place it in the bedroom or in the corridor outside the bedrooms so that it can be heard at night. If your home has several floors, or contains fuel-burning appliances (gas or oil heating, a fireplace, or fuel-burning stoves), additional alarms should be installed in the boiler room, outside cellar doors or on the adjoining living level. Recommended mounting heights generally range from around 1.0 to 1.85 metres above the floor, depending on the source and the manufacturer's instructions.
As well as using CO alarms, prevention includes regular maintenance and inspection of heating appliances, flues and chimneys by qualified professionals, along with periodic alarm function tests and replacing used batteries or observing the service life specified by the manufacturer.
Advice on false alarms and specialist devices: Look for the VdS or EN mark; some alarms offer lower detection thresholds for at-risk groups. For specific questions about a device type, installation location or testing intervals, the manufacturer's instructions — or, if in doubt, a professional installer — are the most reliable source.
Facts, recommendations and standards should be distinguished: standards and testing bodies set technical minimum requirements; fire services and consumer protection groups provide practical advice on placement; CO alarms are an additional safeguard, but do not replace the proper operation of heating appliances.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).