What is the primary purpose of a Low Water Fuel Cut-Off (LWCO)?

The primary purpose of a Low Water Fuel Cut-Off (LWCO) is to shut off the fuel supply to the boiler in the event of low water. This safety device is critical because boilers operate on the principle of water being heated to produce steam. If the water level drops too low, it can result in overheating of the boiler components, potentially leading to serious damage or even catastrophic failure.

The LWCO monitors the water level within the boiler and automatically interrupts the fuel supply if it detects that the water has fallen below a predetermined safe level. By doing this, it effectively protects the boiler from running dry and overheating, ensuring that the system operates safely and efficiently.

While preventing overheating and maintaining optimal pressure levels are important aspects of boiler operation, the direct and primary role of the LWCO is focused on fuel shut-off to protect against low water scenarios. It does not directly indicate the fuel level in the boiler, but rather the water level, which is vital for safe boiler operation.