BS EN 50292:2013

What is BS EN 50292 – Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors about?

BS EN 50292 serves as a guide on the selection, installation, use, and maintenance of apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide, intended for continuous operation in a fixed installation in domestic premises, caravans, and boats. The aim of BS EN 50292 ensures the correct and safe installation of the apparatus to avoid an emergency situation. BS EN 50292 is intended to cover any type of domestic or residential accommodation, including leisure accommodation vehicles such as touring and static caravans, and motor homes; and recreational craft such as canal barges. Some static caravans are used as permanent dwellings, in such cases BS EN 50291-1 is appropriate. For all other types of caravan, BS EN 50291-2 is appropriate. BS EN 50292 should be read in conjunction with BS EN 50291-1 and BS EN 50291-2 together with any additional relevant national or local regulations.

BS EN 50292 refers to the installation of two types of apparatus:

• Type A apparatus, to provide a visual and audible alarm and an executive action in the form of an output signal that can be used to actuate directly or indirectly ventilation or other ancillary device
• Type B apparatus, to provide a visual and audible alarm only

Note: BS EN 50292 excludes apparatus for the detection of combustible gases (see BS EN 50244) and for industrial installations or commercial premises.

Who is BS EN 50292 - Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors for?

BS EN 50292 on carbon monoxide detectors products is useful for:

• Carbon monoxide detectors manufacturers
• Carbon monoxide detectors installers
• Carbon monoxide detectors suppliers
• Safety department
• Maintenance department

Why should you use BS EN 50292 - Guide on the selection, installation, use and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors?

Apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide are not a substitute for good installation and regular servicing of fuel burning appliances or regular cleaning of chimneys, although they may provide an added margin of reassurance for users. Domestic carbon monoxide detectors with or without some form of executive function may overcome fears of fuel safety and may be particularly beneficial in certain circumstances. It is necessary to understand that carbon monoxide toxicity may have different consequences according to the physical condition of the individual. Thus, a carbon monoxide detector designed according to BS EN 50291 series
may not fully safeguard individuals with specific medical conditions. Carbon monoxide detectors are not intended to be used as an alternative to a smoke alarm.

BS EN 50292 is intended to be a guide for people who, in the course of their professional activities, are required to install apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide (CO) in domestic premises. BS EN 50292 also aimed at anyone who might supply such detectors to members of the public for subsequent installation according to national regulations, so that advice may be given based on good engineering practice.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 50292:2013 supersedes BS EN 50292:2001. BS EN 50292:2013 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 50292:2001. These include:

• Title and definitions are revised to be more general, i.e. to cover domestic premises, boats and caravans
• In BS EN 50292, incorrect terminology "warm air systems" is replaced by "ducted air heaters"
• In 4.7, a more general title replaces the previous one as CO migration applies not only to multi-occupancy
  and multi-storey buildings but also to any premises connected to other premises, such as semi-detached
  and terrace premises, where the migration of CO is possible
• In 6.2, the text is modified so that triggering a shut-off valve should be on the main gas supply, ideally at the gas meter/cylinder outlet, so that the entire installation is isolated (and not only individual appliances as stated in the previous version), as the source may not be that appliance
• In 6.4, the text is modified to state that it is more important that the gas supply is isolated rather than the electrical supply
• A new subclause 7.1 "Use of alarm" is added. It includes the requirement to advise the user that a CO alarm does not replace the correct installation, commissioning and regular maintenance by a competent person. This is required in the instruction booklet by BS EN 50291-1.