Boilers 661-LA 661 Exam 2026
Complete Practice Questions with Correct Answers &
Detailed Rationales
Based on ASME BPVC Section I, CSD-1, NBIC, and City of New
Orleans Requirements
QUESTION 1
What is the correct gas-to-air mixture for a gas-fired boiler?
A) 20% gas to 80% air
B) 25% gas to 75% air
C) 30% gas to 70% air
D) 40% gas to 60% air
C) 30% gas to 70% air
Rationale: The proper gas-to-air mixture for a gas-fired boiler is 30% gas to 70% air. In
special arrangements, the gas percentage can be as high as 100% . This is a critical
combustion parameter tested on the 661-LA exam.
QUESTION 2
How much clearance from the top of the boiler is needed for a high-pressure boiler that
produces 70,000 lbs of steam?
A) 5 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 7 feet
D) 8 feet
C) 7 feet
,Rationale: A high-pressure boiler producing 70,000 lbs of steam requires 7 feet of
clearance from the top of the boiler. This is a specific New Orleans code requirement for
boiler room clearances .
QUESTION 3
How often should a complete external inspection of the boiler be performed?
A) Once per week
B) Once per shift
C) Once per month
D) Once per year
B) Once per shift
Rationale: A complete external inspection of the boiler should be performed once per shift.
This includes checking for leaks, proper operation of safety devices, and general system
integrity .
QUESTION 4
With 24-hour boiler operation, how often should the water level be checked?
A) Every hour
B) Once per shift
C) Every 4 hours
D) Every 6 hours
B) Once per shift
Rationale: With 24-hour operation, the water level must be checked at least once per shift.
This is a critical safety requirement to prevent low-water conditions that can cause boiler
failure .
,QUESTION 5
How often should the Low Water Cutoff (LWCO) be checked?
A) Hourly
B) Once per shift
C) Weekly
D) Monthly
B) Once per shift
Rationale: The Low Water Cutoff should be checked once per shift to ensure it will function
properly in an emergency. The LWCO is a critical safety device that shuts down the burner
when water level drops below safe limits .
QUESTION 6
How often should the High Limit Switch be checked?
A) Once per shift
B) Weekly
C) Monthly
D) Annually
D) Annually
Rationale: The High Limit Switch should be checked annually to verify it will shut down the
boiler at the proper temperature or pressure .
QUESTION 7
How often should the operating control be tested?
A) Once per shift
B) Weekly
C) Monthly
D) Annually
D) Annually
, Rationale: The operating control should be tested annually to ensure it is functioning
correctly and maintaining the proper operating parameters .
QUESTION 8
How often should the testing and inspecting of burner components be performed?
A) Once per shift
B) Weekly
C) Monthly
D) Annually
D) Annually
Rationale: Burner components should be tested and inspected annually to ensure proper
combustion, safety, and efficiency .
QUESTION 9
What is the legal limit of acceptable asbestos particles in the air?
A) 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter
B) 0.05 fibers per cubic centimeter
C) 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter
D) 0.5 fibers per cubic centimeter
C) 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter
Rationale: The legal limit of acceptable asbestos particles is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter
of air. This is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos .
QUESTION 10
After opening a boiler for repairs, what percentage of oxygen is needed for safe entry?