Carbon monoxide detector law starts February 1, 2011

All homes and duplexes in Wisconsin will be required to have carbon monoxide detectors as a safety precaustion starting Feb. 1. The measure was passed and signed into law last year. There is no penalty for not complying. The law requires every level of the home to have a carbon monoxide detector, including the basement, but no th attic or storage areas.

Any dwelling that requires a building permit will be required to have detectors directly wired to the electrical service with a backup battery. Exisiting buildings can use stand-alone battery-powered detectors.