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Monday, October 20, 2008

New MN Law for Carbon Monoxide Alarms

It is quite possible that MN Stat. 299.51 snuck up on you and your clients like carbon monoxide - silently. Although this new state mandate had received some attention during the legislative session, word of the new law (effective August 1, 2008 for existing single-family homes) and its application has not spread throughout the industry.

What is it? The new carbon monoxide (CO) alarm law requires that "every single-family dwelling and every dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling" have "an approved and operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes." (See MN Stat. 299.51) This law was effective as of August 1, 2007 for newly constructed homes, and just became effective August 1, 2008 for all existing single-family dwelling units. It becomes effective in August 1, 2009 for existing multifamily dwelling units. The alarms must be an approved device (conforming to UL2034 standards), and may be hardwired, plugged in, or battery-powered (if attached to the wall).

Time to go shopping at your local Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Menards or any other store that carries house hold items.

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