Where should a low water cutoff typically be installed?

A low water cutoff is a critical safety device used in steam and hot water boilers. It functions to shut down the operation of the boiler if the water level falls below a safe operating level, thereby preventing potential damage or dangerous conditions caused by overheating or dry firing.

The correct answer states that the low water cutoff should be installed at the level recommended by the manufacturer, but never below the crown sheet. The crown sheet is the highest part of the boiler, where the pressure is managed and controlled. Positioning the low water cutoff above the crown sheet ensures that it accurately measures and responds to the water level. This positioning is vital because if the cutoff were installed too low, it could allow the boiler to operate under unsafe conditions, risking the integrity of the system and the safety of the operation.

The other options don't offer appropriate or safe installation locations for the low water cutoff. For instance, installing it at the top of the boiler would be impractical because it would not appropriately monitor the water level, potentially resulting in inadequate safety measures. Similarly, placing it in the maintenance room or on the exterior of the building would be ineffective as the cutoff would not be able to accurately assess the water level in the boiler. Therefore, only option C aligns with both safety standards