New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

How many gage cocks must be present within the visible length of the water glass?

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 4

The correct answer is: 3

In the context of low-pressure boilers, the presence of gage cocks is critical for ensuring accurate water level readings and safe boiler operation. The water glass, or sight glass, provides a visible indication of the water level within the boiler. For proper functionality and safety, there should be a minimum of three gage cocks installed. This includes one cock at the top of the water glass, which allows for checking the water level against the steam space, and two additional cocks located at different levels on the water glass to provide readings that indicate the actual water level in various operating conditions. Having three gage cocks ensures that if any one chick is malfunctioning or blocked, the operator still has alternative means to assess the water level accurately. This redundancy is essential for preventing dangerous situations such as boiler dry firing or overheating due to an insufficient water level. Options suggesting fewer than three gage cocks do not provide the necessary safety assurance and operational reliability that boilers require to minimize risks.