What consequence can occur if a low-water cut-off device fails?

If a low-water cut-off device fails, it can lead to boiler overheating or failure. The low-water cut-off is a critical safety device in a steam boiler system. Its primary function is to monitor the water level in the boiler. If the water level falls below a certain point, indicating inadequate water for safe operation, the device should activate and shut down the burner or boiler to prevent overheating.

When the device fails, it may not detect low water levels properly, allowing the boiler to operate without sufficient water. This can lead to overheating of the boiler components, potentially causing significant damage such as boiler tube failure, warping of the boiler structure, and even catastrophic explosions. Thus, the importance of the low-water cut-off is paramount in preventing dangerous operational conditions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the consequences of a low-water cut-off failure. Higher steam quality, increased fuel efficiency, and improved maintenance scheduling are not direct results of a failure in this critical safety mechanism.