This flow chart is designed to aid code officials, architects, design professionals and others in navigating the Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC).

• This flow chart applies to new Group E and I-4 child daycare and K-12 classrooms.
• Carbon monoxide alarm: A single- or multiple-station alarm intended to detect carbon monoxide gas and alert occupants by a distinct audible signal. It incorporates a single unit's sensor, control components, and an alarm notification appliance.
• Carbon monoxide detector: A device with an integral sensor to detect carbon monoxide gas and transmit an alarm signal to a connected alarm control unit.

CO detection system requirements 

• CO detectors shall be installed in Group E and I-4 occupancies except as allowed per Fire Marshal Code Advisory Panel (FMCAP) 20-008-I, which is found at the end of this flow chart.  It is important to note that single- or multiple-station CO alarms are prohibited in any other instance within these occupancies.
• Standard: NFPA 720, CO detectors listed to UL 2075.
• Locations: As specified in MSFC Section 915.2.
• Combination detectors: Listed to UL 268 and UL 2075.
• Notification appliances shall be installed in the area(s) where the detection devices are installed.
• The system shall annunciate to a constantly attended location or supervising station.

General CO detection location requirements

• Detectors within each classroom and automatically transmitted to an on-site staffed location.
  • Exception: Not required to be transmitted when total occupant load is 30 or less.

When required, there are alternate CO detection location requirements for Group E and I-4 child daycare and K-12 school classrooms. More than one of the conditions below may apply.

• When a forced air fuel-burning appliance serves such buildings.
  • Alternate: Single point detection approved in first room or area served by the main supply duct from the furnace.
• When such buildings contain a fuel-burning appliance.
  • Exception 1: CO detection is not required when there are no communicating openings between the fuel-burning appliance(s) and the rest of the building.
  • Alternate 1: Detector in approved location between the fuel-burning appliance(s) and classrooms.
  • Alternate 2: Detector located on the ceiling of rooms containing the fuel-burning appliance(s).
• When such buildings have an attached garage.
  • Exception 1: CO detection is not required when there are no communication openings between the garage and classrooms.
  • Exception 2: CO detection is not required when classrooms are more than 1-story above or below the garage.
  • Exception 3: CO detection is not required when the garage is attached to classrooms by an open-ended corridor (breezeway).
  • Alternate: Detector in approved location between garage and classrooms.
  • Exempt garages: Open parking garages or enclosed garages complying with Minnesota Building Code Section 406.4.

Maintenance

• Enclosed garage detection: Maintained in accordance with Minnesota Mechanical Code Section 404.1, manufacturer instructions and listing.
• End-of-life: Devices that become inoperable or sound end-of-life signals shall be replaced. 

Group E occupancies

• Where such conditions require the installation of CO detection in Group E occupancies and:
  • The Group E occupancy is required or provides an NFPA 72 fire alarm system, CO detectors shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of MSFC Section 915 or
  • Group E occupancy is not required and doesn’t provide an NFPA 72 fire alarm system. CO alarms shall be permitted when
    • CO alarms complying with the requirements of MSFC 915.4.1 and 915.4.2 are installed in every room or area providing care or instruction
    • The required fire safety plan includes manufacturer information regarding the testing, inspection, and maintenance of such CO alarms
    • The fire inspection report issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall detail such requirements per MSFC 104.8.