Red Seal Gasfitter — Class A Practice Exam

What happens if an oxygen depletion sensor malfunctions in a gas appliance?

1. The appliance will continue to operate normally

2. The gas supply will automatically increase

3. The appliance may continue running, creating a safety hazard

4. The user must reset the appliance manually

The correct answer is: The appliance may continue running, creating a safety hazard

A malfunctioning oxygen depletion sensor in a gas appliance can lead to significant safety hazards. This sensor is designed to detect the levels of oxygen in the environment to ensure safe combustion of gas. If it fails, the appliance may continue to operate without the necessary checks in place. As oxygen levels decrease, the combustion process can become inefficient, potentially leading to the production of harmful byproducts such as carbon monoxide. Without the sensor functioning properly to shut down the appliance, it may keep running, putting users at risk of exposure to these dangerous gases. In contrast, an operational sensor would normally trigger an automatic shutdown of the appliance to prevent such hazards, highlighting the critical function of this component in maintaining safety standards in gas appliances. Such scenarios remind users and technicians alike of the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring of gas appliance safety features.