Smoke & CO Detector Placement Guide

Find out where to place smoke detectors and CO detectors based on your home layout and current code requirements.

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Why Use This Tool?

Most homes do not have detectors placed correctly. The NFPA requires smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. CO detectors must be within 10 feet of sleeping areas. Correct placement is the difference between early warning and tragedy.

About This Tool

NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and most local building codes require smoke alarms in specific locations throughout the home. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all homes with attached garages, gas appliances, or fuel-burning equipment.

How It Works

Select your home type

Single-story, multi-story, or with basement.

Enter number of bedrooms

Every bedroom and outside every sleeping area requires a smoke alarm.

Confirm fuel sources

Gas appliances, attached garage, and fuel-burning heating equipment trigger CO detector requirements.

Get your placement checklist

The guide shows exactly where to place each detector with code references.

Cost Context

Hardwired interconnected smoke/CO detectors cost $75–$200 per detector installed by an electrician. Battery-only detectors are $20–50 each and can be self-installed. For new construction or major renovations, interconnected hardwired systems are code-required in most jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are smoke detectors required by code?

NFPA 72 requires smoke alarms: inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area (hallway), on every level of the home including basement, and within 10 feet of cooking appliances (with hush/silence feature near kitchens). Interconnected alarms (hardwired or wireless) are preferred so all alarms sound simultaneously.

Where are CO detectors required?

CO detectors are required within 10 feet of every sleeping area in homes with: attached garages, gas appliances (stove, oven, dryer, water heater, furnace), fireplaces, and any fuel-burning equipment. Most jurisdictions follow NFPA 720 or local fire code. Some states (California, Illinois, New York) have their own specific requirements.

This tool helps with:

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People also search for:

→where to install smoke detectors in a two-story home
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→how many smoke detectors do I need
→CO detector how close to bedroom
→interconnected vs battery smoke alarms code requirement

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