Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

Can a first class grade A engineer be in charge of a low pressure boiler of 400 bhp?

1. Yes

2. No

3. If the boiler was approved by the A.S.M.E.

4. Only if the pressure is maintained below 15 psi

The correct answer is: Yes

A first class grade A engineer is fully qualified to operate and take responsibility for various types of boilers, including low pressure boilers with a capacity of 400 horsepower (bhp). This certification signifies that the engineer has attained a comprehensive understanding of boiler operation, safety protocols, and maintenance standards. In the context of the question, the designation of a low pressure boiler indicates that the operational pressures do not exceed the thresholds defined by safety standards, typically capped at 15 psi for low pressure systems. Since a first class grade A engineer is trained to manage systems at different pressure levels and horsepower ratings, there are no restrictions regarding their oversight of a low pressure boiler at this capacity. The other options entail limitations or conditions that do not apply in this scenario. For instance, while the boiler may indeed need to meet industry standards such as A.S.M.E. approval, this is generally a requirement that affects all boiler operations, not just specific to engineers' qualifications. The same applies to maintaining pressure below specific limits; since it is already established that the boiler in question is low pressure, the engineer’s qualification alone is sufficient to operate it. Thus, the first class grade A engineer is entirely competent and authorized to oversee the described boiler without any additional constraints.