New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

A malfunctioning low pressure safety valve primarily compromises the safety of the boiler system. When this valve fails, it can lead to an increase in pressure beyond the safe operational threshold, significantly raising the risk of an explosion. The safety valve is designed to release excess pressure to prevent dangerous situations; if it doesn't function correctly, the system could experience a catastrophic failure due to overpressure.

In contrast, boiler shutdown, while a potential outcome of other issues, is not the direct consequence of the valve malfunction itself. Increased efficiency is unrelated and would not be a result of a malfunctioning safety feature. Saying there would be no consequence undermines the importance of safety valves which are critical in preventing hazardous situations. Thus, recognizing the danger posed by a malfunctioning low pressure safety valve highlights why this scenario is associated with explosion risk.