Class 5 Boiler Practice Exam

For steam boilers operating under 15 psig, how many low water cutoffs are required?

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 4

The correct answer is: 2

In steam boiler operations, particularly for those that operate at pressures below 15 psig, the requirement for low water cutoffs is primarily a safety measure. These devices are essential for preventing the boiler from operating without sufficient water. When a boiler lacks adequate water, it can lead to overheating and potentially catastrophic failures. For systems operating at or below this pressure threshold, having at least two low water cutoffs is mandated to ensure redundancy. This means that if one cutoff fails, the other can still prevent the boiler from operating in a low-water condition, thereby enhancing safety. The requirement for two low water cutoffs stems from the need for reliability in monitoring water levels. Implementing this two-fold safety method is critical in minimizing risks associated with boiler operation, ensuring that there is always an active mechanism to detect low water levels. The presence of two cutoffs further ensures that operational integrity is maintained, and any malfunction in one device can be compensated for by the other, thus protecting the boiler and its components from damage.