What is the consequence of operating a boiler without a proper low-water cutoff?

Operating a boiler without a proper low-water cutoff significantly increases the risk of equipment failure and possible explosions. The low-water cutoff is a crucial safety device that monitors the water level within the boiler. If the water level drops too low, the device automatically shuts down the boiler to prevent overheating and potential catastrophic failure.

When a boiler operates with insufficient water, the heating elements or tubes can overheat, leading to damage, warping, or even rupture. This situation poses severe safety hazards, including the potential for explosions due to the rapid increase in pressure and steam production that can occur when metal components overheat. Therefore, the primary consequence of neglecting the low-water cutoff is not just equipment damage, but also significant safety risks for personnel and property.

While the other options may have relevance in other contexts, they do not capture the immediate and severe dangers associated with boiler operation without a low-water cutoff. Increased energy costs and lower efficiency in steam production relate more to operational inefficiencies or other malfunctions within the boiler system, while frequent valve malfunctions pertain to maintenance issues rather than the critical safety aspect that the low-water cutoff addresses.