Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

Is it true that an automatically fired steam boiler must have a low water cut off?

1. True

2. False

3. Only for high pressure systems

4. Only for low pressure systems

The correct answer is: True

An automatically fired steam boiler must indeed have a low water cut off in order to ensure safe operation. The low water cut off provides a critical safety function by detecting the water level within the boiler. If the water level drops below a predetermined point, the low water cut off will automatically shut down the boiler. This is essential because operating a steam boiler with insufficient water can lead to overheating and potentially catastrophic failures such as explosions. This requirement applies regardless of whether the boiler operates at high or low pressure, as it is a fundamental safety feature designed to prevent accidents caused by low water conditions. Having this system in place helps maintain the integrity of the boiler and protects both personnel and equipment from the dangers associated with dry firing.