A steam pressure gauge must have a range of at least how much in comparison to the MAWP?

The correct answer indicates that a steam pressure gauge must have a range of at least 1.5 times the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP). This requirement is significant for ensuring safety and accuracy in steam systems.

By having a gauge that can withstand pressures up to 1.5 times the MAWP, it provides a safety buffer that helps to prevent gauge failure. This allows for better monitoring of system pressure and helps operators identify if operating conditions are approaching unsafe levels.

If the gauge were to be rated at only 1 time the MAWP, it would be inadequate in scenarios where pressure surges could exceed the MAWP, potentially compromising the gauge and leading to inaccurate readings or even dangerous situations. Choosing a gauge that provides this additional margin of safety is critical for effective steam system management and operational reliability.

Understanding the importance of this multiplicative factor helps reinforce best practices in selecting pressure gauges, ultimately contributing to safe engineering standards.