ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

What essential component must all steam and hot water boilers be protected with?

1. pressure balancing valve

2. backflow protector

3. brass gate valve

4. low-water cutoff control

The correct answer is: low-water cutoff control

The essential component that all steam and hot water boilers must be protected with is the low-water cutoff control. This device is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of boilers. Its primary function is to monitor the water level within the boiler and prevent the unit from operating when the water level drops too low. If a boiler operates with insufficient water, it can lead to overheating, potential damage to the boiler structure, or even catastrophic failure due to the formation of steam explosions. The low-water cutoff control automatically shuts down the boiler if it detects that the water level has fallen below a predefined threshold, thus safeguarding both the equipment and personnel. While other components like backflow protectors and valves serve important functions in plumbing and water systems, they do not specifically address the critical safety issue associated with low water levels in boilers. This delineation highlights the necessity of the low-water cutoff control in maintaining boiler operation safety.