CO devices - covered by existing contracts?

July 30, 2011

******************

********************

Question

******************

Ken,

    A new California law (went into effect July 1) requires most residential homes to be equipped with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. As in the case of smoke detectors requirements, the CO detectors do not need to be monitored. Nevertheless we are getting more requests to add monitored CO sensors to existing and new alarm systems. We are using your All in One alarm contract. Does the contract provide sufficient liability protection for CO monitoring?

    Thank you keeping these daily emails coming. You are providing a great service. I read and learn from them every single day.

Sincerely,

Lior Rubin

Global Security Systems

Moraga, CA

*****************

Answer

****************

    The All in One and the Sales Contract cover all security equipment and systems and would cover CO detectors.  The Monitoring Contract would also cover monitoring the CO detectors if connected to the alarm system.  There is no separate contract for the CO detectors or monitoring CO devices.

    When you fill out the equipment and schedule of service be sure to make it clear that the CO devices are, or are not, connected to the system.  Be clear that the CO devices are not monitored and you should also state that the devices should have batteries checked and replaced, and that the inspection and replacement are the subscriber's responsibility, unless of course you are going to assume that duty and hopefully get paid for it.  You might want to add that a CO device is not a fire alarm system and won't detect fire (if that's true). 

    Keep in mind that the All in One and the Sales Contract and Monitoring Contract are generic contracts in the sense that they aspire to cover all "security systems".  There is already a provision warning that installing fire devices does not make the system a full fire alarm system unless the schedule of installation specifically provides that the system is a full fire alarm system installed pursuant to NFPA and AHJ requirements. 

    If your jurisdiction requires contract language dealing with the CO devices then let me know and we will make those changes for you.