New York Low Pressure Boiler Certificate of Fitness (COF) Practice Test

What action does a pressure control perform when the steam pressure reaches a set point?

1. Increases pressure

2. Shuts the boiler down

3. Automatically resets

4. Locks out the fuel supply

The correct answer is: Shuts the boiler down

When the steam pressure reaches a predetermined set point, the pressure control's primary function is to manage the boiler system's operation to ensure safety and efficiency. Shutting the boiler down is a critical safety mechanism to prevent overpressure, which can lead to dangerous situations and potential equipment failure. This action mitigates the risks associated with high pressure, ensuring the system operates within safe limits. The pressure control monitors the pressure levels continuously and responds by shutting down the boiler when the set pressure is achieved, preventing any further increase that could be hazardous. While other options, such as increasing pressure or locking out the fuel supply, relate to the broader functioning of the boiler system, they do not specifically represent the action taken by the pressure control when the set point is reached. The automatic reset function, if present, does not address the immediate safety measure that takes place when the pressure limit is hit. Therefore, shutting the boiler down is a correct reflection of the pressure control's role in maintaining a safe operating environment.