mechanical

• Water is the most difficult substances to contain and is likely to contain and is likely to leak
through the smallest opening. All water regulating valve should be inspected for leaks by looking
for wet spots or rust streaks. Water circulating in a system will also leave mineral deposits in the
piping and valve sets or mechanisms. For example, a water-regulating valve for a hot water
system. Figure 14-61, is subject to problems that may cause water leaks or control set point
drift. Some of these valves are made of from brass to prevent corrosion and some are made of
cast iron. The cast iron ones are less expensive but may rust and bind the moving parts. The
valve are also has a flexible diaphragm that moves every time the valve functions. The
diaphragm is subject to deterioration from flexing and age.

• If the diaphragm leaks, water will escape to the outside and drip off the floor. Mineral deposits
or rust inside a valve can prevent the valve from moving up and down to feed water. This might
overfeed or underfeed the system.

• Pressure relief valves on boilers are constructed of material that will not corrode because this
control is a safety control. These valves must be set free to ensure that they will not stick shut
and not function. An explosion may occur because of a valve that is stuck shut. Many technicians
pull the lever on the top of safety relief valves from time to time and let them relieve small
amount of steam or hot water. This may be considered a good practice because it ensures that
the valve port is free from deposits that may stop it from functioning. On some occasions, the
valve may not seat back when the lever is released and the valve may sweep. Usually pulling the
lever again will clear this up by blowing out any trash in the valve seat. If it cannot be stopped
from leaking, the valve must be replaced. The fact that this is procedure may start a leak is the
reason many technicians do not “test relive” valves.

Electro

• The control must be mounted securely to the frame and the control tube routed in such a
manner that it does not touch the frame or any other component. The vibration of the
compressor will vibrate the tube and rub a hole in the control tube or one of the refrigerant
lines if they are not kept isolated.

• The electrical section will usually have a set of contacts or a mercury switch to stop and start
component in the system. The electrical contacts are often enclosed and cannot be viewed so
visual inspection is not possible. You should look for frayed wires or burned wire insulation
adjacent to control when a problem occurs.

• The mercury in mercury switches may be viewed through a clear glass enclosure. If the mercury
becomes dark, the tube is allowing oxygen to enter the space where mercury makes and breaks
the electrical contact and oxidation occurs. In this case switch should be replaced. It is possible
that the switch will conduct across the oxidation and the switch will then appear to be closed at
all times. This could prevent a boiler from shutting off, allowing overheating to occur.