G2 Gas Fitter Practice Exam

Before lighting a gas burner on a boiler, what is the most crucial action to take?

1. Check the gas line pressure

2. Ensure there is water in the boiler

3. Inspect the burner for dirt

4. Test the ignition system

The correct answer is: Ensure there is water in the boiler

Ensuring there is water in the boiler is crucial before lighting a gas burner for several reasons. Primarily, a boiler is designed to heat water, and the safety and efficiency of the heating system depend on having an adequate water supply. If the boiler is lit without water, it can overheat, potentially causing damage to the boiler's components, such as the heat exchanger, leading to costly repairs and safety hazards. Moreover, running a boiler dry can cause the system to become inoperable and could create a risk of explosion or fire. While checking the gas line pressure, inspecting the burner for dirt, and testing the ignition system are all important maintenance and safety checks, they do not have the immediate safety implications that ensuring water is present in the boiler does. Therefore, confirming that there is sufficient water before igniting the gas burner is the most critical action to take.