New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

How many gage cocks are required for a boiler that is not over 36 inches in diameter and does not exceed 100 square feet of heating surface?

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 4

The correct answer is: 2

For a boiler that is not over 36 inches in diameter and does not exceed 100 square feet of heating surface, the requirement is to have two gage cocks. Gage cocks, which provide means to measure water levels and perform maintenance, are essential for monitoring the boiler's operating condition and ensuring safety. With two gage cocks, operators can more accurately determine the water level within the boiler, ensuring proper operation and preventing issues such as low water levels that could lead to overheating and damage. The specific requirement of two gage cocks is based on safety codes that dictate that there should be sufficient redundancy in water level measurement to avoid failure or inaccuracy in monitoring. This is a standard practice in boiler operations, designed to ensure that there are multiple means of verifying the water level at all times. Moreover, should one gage cock become inoperable, having a second provides a necessary safety backup. The options involving fewer or a greater number of gage cocks do not align with these regulatory standards for the specified boiler size and heating surface area.