Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements – State of Illinois Public Act 094-0741

The Village of Wheeling enforces carbon monoxide (CO) detector requirements in accordance with Illinois state law and the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), which the Village has officially adopted as part of its building code update effective 2025. 

1. Illinois State Requirement (Public Act 094-0741)

Under Illinois law, every dwelling unit must have at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm installed within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. This applies to:

  • Single-family homes

  • Duplexes

  • Townhouses

  • Apartments

  • Hotels and motels

Owners are responsible for supplying and installing required alarms; tenants generally must test and maintain them and notify owners of deficiencies. 

2. Village of Wheeling Building Code Requirements

Wheeling has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments as part of its building code cycle. This means that all new residential construction and major remodels must comply with the IRC carbon monoxide alarm provisions. Wheeling IL

Under the 2021 IRC:

  • CO alarms must be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

  • If a fuel-burning appliance is located in a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a CO alarm must also be installed in the bedroom.

  • Combination CO/smoke alarms must meet applicable UL standards (e.g., UL 2034 and UL 217) and provide a clear indication of each hazard.

  • CO detection systems are permitted in lieu of single alarms if installed permanently

3. Permits and Construction

  • For new construction or major alterations (including significant remodels), carbon monoxide detectors are required per the 2021 IRC and are typically inspected as part of the building permit process.

  • Hard-wired detectors with battery backup are now generally required in new residential construction under the IRC, and these may trigger specific permit and inspection requirements. Wheeling IL

4. Where CO Detectors Must Be Located

Per state law and current building codes:

  • Within 15 feet of every sleeping room. 

  • Outside and in the immediate vicinity of each sleeping area (IRC requirement).

  • Inside bedrooms if a fuel-burning appliance is installed there. 

5. Approved Detector Types

  • Battery-powered units

  • Direct electrical units (with battery backup)

  • Plug-in units (with battery backup)

  • Combination smoke/CO detectors (if certified and providing distinct signals)

Summary

In summary, the Village of Wheeling currently follows both Illinois state law and the 2021 IRC (adopted in 2025) for carbon monoxide alarm requirements. These require detectors near sleeping areas, compliance with UL standards, and compliance with both local code enforcement and state safety statute