Illinois Boiler Fireman Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary purpose of a boiler safety valve?
- Control boiler feedwater
- Reduce steam pressure for distribution
- Maintain water level
- Prevent boiler overpressure
Rationale: Safety valves automatically release pressure to prevent
explosions caused by overpressure.
- The normal water level of a boiler is indicated by the: 1 / 4
- Blowdown valve
- Steam stop valve
- Gauge glass
- Safety valve
Rationale: The gauge glass provides a direct visual indication of boiler
water level.
3. Low water in a boiler can result in:
- Wet steam
- Overheating and potential boiler failure
- Excess fuel usage
- Low stack temperature
Rationale: Low water exposes heating surfaces, causing overheating and
potential rupture.
4. Boiler blowdown is performed primarily to remove:
- Steam
- Sediment and dissolved solids
- Excess fuel
- Air
Rationale: Blowdown controls concentration of solids that accumulate in
boiler water. 2 / 4
5. The device that automatically maintains boiler water level is the:
- Steam trap
- Safety valve
- Feedwater regulator
- Check valve
Rationale: The feedwater regulator supplies water to maintain a constant
water level.
6. A common cause of priming in boilers is:
- High stack temperature
- High water level or impurities
- Low fuel pressure
- Cold feedwater
Rationale: High water level and impurities cause water to carry over with
the steam.
- Which fuel typically has the highest heat value?
- Wood
- Propane
- Fuel oil 3 / 4
- Natural gas
Rationale: Fuel oil contains more BTUs per unit volume than gas fuels.
8. A boiler operating at 100 psi is classified as:
- Low-pressure steam boiler
- High-pressure steam boiler
- Hydronic boiler
- Domestic hot water boiler
Rationale: Anything above 15 psi steam is considered high-pressure by
code.
9. Scale formation on boiler tubes causes:
- Cleaner operation
- Reduced heat transfer
- Reduced fuel usage
- Lower blowdown needs
Rationale: Scale insulates heating surfaces, reducing efficiency and
increasing fuel consumption.
10. A Hartford Loop is used in:
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