What can happen if a boiler operates without sufficient water?

When a boiler operates without sufficient water, it can lead to several serious consequences, one of which is dry firing. Dry firing occurs when the boiler's heating elements are exposed without water to absorb the heat they generate. This can cause the elements to overheat and potentially become damaged or fail, resulting in significant safety hazards such as explosions or fires.

Having inadequate water in the boiler not only affects the heating elements but can also lead to stress on the boiler structure, increasing the risk of cracks, ruptures, or other mechanical failures. Therefore, ensuring a proper water level is crucial to maintain safe operation and prolong the lifespan of the boiler.

Other options do not accurately describe the implications of insufficient water. For instance, more steam production is impossible without adequate water, and an increase in efficiency cannot occur if the boiler is not properly conditioned. Lastly, while some boilers have automatic shutoff mechanisms, they do not always engage in response to low water levels, especially if proper maintenance and monitoring procedures are not followed.