NYC Boiler Inspector Exam Questions With
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a safety valve on a boiler?
a) To increase pressure
b) To maintain water level
c) To release excess pressure **
d) To circulate steam
It prevents boiler explosions by releasing pressure if it exceeds safe
limits.
2. Which type of boiler is most commonly used in NYC buildings?
a) Fire-tube boiler **
b) Water-tube boiler
c) Electric boiler
d) Combination boiler
Fire-tube boilers are prevalent in older and smaller building systems due
to simpler construction and lower cost.
3. How often must a boiler in NYC be inspected by a licensed boiler
inspector?
a) Every 6 months
b) Annually **
c) Every 2 years
d) Every 5 years
NYC regulations require annual inspections to ensure safety compliance.
, 4. Which device ensures that the water level in a boiler does not
drop too low?
a) Pressure gauge
b) Water gauge glass **
c) Safety valve
d) Thermostat
The water gauge glass provides a visual indication of the water level
inside the boiler.
5. What is the main cause of boiler scale buildup?
a) Low pressure
b) High water alkalinity **
c) Excessive fuel
d) Improper venting
High alkalinity and hard water cause minerals to deposit on heat
transfer surfaces, reducing efficiency.
6. What is the typical working pressure range for a residential steam
boiler?
a) 1–2 psi **
b) 10–15 psi
c) 50–60 psi
d) 100–150 psi
Residential steam boilers operate at very low pressure, typically 1–2 psi.
7. A boiler is producing water at 212°F. What is the likely condition?
a) Subcooled water
b) Saturated water/steam **
, c) Superheated steam
d) Condensate
At atmospheric pressure, water boils at 212°F, creating saturated steam.
8. What type of inspection allows the boiler inspector to check the
internal surfaces of a boiler?
a) Visual inspection
b) Hydrostatic test
c) Internal inspection **
d) Ultrasonic testing
Internal inspection involves opening the boiler and examining the tubes,
shells, and refractory.
9. Which of the following is a sign of boiler tube corrosion?
a) Discoloration of water **
b) Steam whistles
c) Pressure drop
d) Loud operation
Discolored water often indicates rust and corrosion in boiler tubes.
10. What is the primary function of a blowdown valve?
a) To increase pressure
b) To remove sediment and impurities **
c) To add water
d) To measure water level
Blowdown removes sludge, scale, and dissolved solids to maintain
efficiency and safety.
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a safety valve on a boiler?
a) To increase pressure
b) To maintain water level
c) To release excess pressure **
d) To circulate steam
It prevents boiler explosions by releasing pressure if it exceeds safe
limits.
2. Which type of boiler is most commonly used in NYC buildings?
a) Fire-tube boiler **
b) Water-tube boiler
c) Electric boiler
d) Combination boiler
Fire-tube boilers are prevalent in older and smaller building systems due
to simpler construction and lower cost.
3. How often must a boiler in NYC be inspected by a licensed boiler
inspector?
a) Every 6 months
b) Annually **
c) Every 2 years
d) Every 5 years
NYC regulations require annual inspections to ensure safety compliance.
, 4. Which device ensures that the water level in a boiler does not
drop too low?
a) Pressure gauge
b) Water gauge glass **
c) Safety valve
d) Thermostat
The water gauge glass provides a visual indication of the water level
inside the boiler.
5. What is the main cause of boiler scale buildup?
a) Low pressure
b) High water alkalinity **
c) Excessive fuel
d) Improper venting
High alkalinity and hard water cause minerals to deposit on heat
transfer surfaces, reducing efficiency.
6. What is the typical working pressure range for a residential steam
boiler?
a) 1–2 psi **
b) 10–15 psi
c) 50–60 psi
d) 100–150 psi
Residential steam boilers operate at very low pressure, typically 1–2 psi.
7. A boiler is producing water at 212°F. What is the likely condition?
a) Subcooled water
b) Saturated water/steam **
, c) Superheated steam
d) Condensate
At atmospheric pressure, water boils at 212°F, creating saturated steam.
8. What type of inspection allows the boiler inspector to check the
internal surfaces of a boiler?
a) Visual inspection
b) Hydrostatic test
c) Internal inspection **
d) Ultrasonic testing
Internal inspection involves opening the boiler and examining the tubes,
shells, and refractory.
9. Which of the following is a sign of boiler tube corrosion?
a) Discoloration of water **
b) Steam whistles
c) Pressure drop
d) Loud operation
Discolored water often indicates rust and corrosion in boiler tubes.
10. What is the primary function of a blowdown valve?
a) To increase pressure
b) To remove sediment and impurities **
c) To add water
d) To measure water level
Blowdown removes sludge, scale, and dissolved solids to maintain
efficiency and safety.
