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Operating pressure

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Rob Brown_2
Rob Brown_2 Member Posts: 2
in THE MAIN WALL
We have a one pipe, Lennox gas-fired, 150,000 BTU steam boiler system. It was installed new in 2005. Installed in Cape Cod style home with 8 radiators in varying sizes and a hot water loop with Taco circulating pump. Had it serviced by a steam pro found on your website who set the pressuretrol to .5 psi after I had advised that the pressure gauge that came installed in the boiler was reading 3.5 psi and cutting out before satisfying thermostat. As always, after the steam pro had finished his service and was gone I ran the boiler again and the gauge was now reading 3 psi and cutting out. I specifically asked the pro about the pressure issue and he reassured that the pressuretrol was set for .5 psi before he left. THe pressuretrol is a Honeywell unit installed on a pigtail. Could the gauge be faulty as the radiators are all working and venting properly. There was a bang in one of the pipes at the end or after the boiler had shut down though which I have noticed in the past. I do not know what to make of this gauge reading. Should I be concerned or is the reliability of the gauge the culprit? It is an Internal Syphon gauge with a measuring range of 0 to 30 psi. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

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  • Brad White
    Brad White Member Posts: 2,399
    Pressure

    Your "cut-out" pressure may well be 3 PSI and your differential may not be working. Your pressuretrol differential may be additive or subtractive from the setpoint. Check the differential first, see if it is a subtractive or additive. Adjust it and see how it operates.

    The pigtail may be clogged, that is what I would check first though, if not a very close second.

    The gauge you mentioned is code-required, boiler being rated for 15 PSIG relief valve operation and the gauge range to put that in the middle. Nothing in the code say it has to be useful you know!

    I am seeking a source of gauges, (Winter Corp.) to buy some large face 0-32 ounce range gauges to use with Vaporstats. Much smarter I think. :)

    "If you do not know the answer, say, "I do not know the answer", and you will be correct!"



    -Ernie White, my Dad
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