What is the primary function of a low-water cut-off device in a boiler?

The primary function of a low-water cut-off device in a boiler is to shut down the boiler when water levels are too low. This is a critical safety feature designed to prevent the boiler from operating without sufficient water, which can lead to overheating, damage to the boiler, and potentially catastrophic failure.

When the water level drops below a predetermined threshold, the low-water cut-off activates, triggering a shutdown of the burner or the boiler itself to ensure that the heat source is no longer operating without water to absorb the heat. This protective mechanism not only safeguards the boiler’s integrity but also protects personnel and equipment from dangerous conditions resulting from dry firing.

Regulating steam pressure, ensuring proper fuel supply, and controlling combustion air flow are important functions for overall boiler operation and efficiency, but they do not address the critical safety concern of maintaining adequate water levels. Therefore, they do not capture the specific role of the low-water cut-off device. The focus of this device is solely on monitoring the water level to prevent emergencies associated with insufficient water.