Boiler house
Level controls
Local regulations may restrict the use of this product to below the conditions quoted.
In the interests of development and improvement of the product, we reserve the right to change the specification without notice. © Copyright 2016
2.3.13
AI-P402-14
AB Issue 7
LCS5000
Level Control Systems
Installation and testing
of self-monitoring low level alarms and on/off boiler water level controls
Typical installation
The Spirax Sarco LCS5000 series boiler water level control
systems are suitable for automatically controlled steam boilers and
provide the control and alarm functions specified by British
Standards in BS 12953 and by the SAFed and CEA, in consultation
with the Health & Safety Executive, in BG01.
The LCS5000 series low level alarms are of the high integrity type
and whilst a trained boiler attendant should check the boiler plant
on weekdays, he need not be on site at all times. There should,
however, always be someone available on site such as a
watchman or porter who is suitably trained to respond to alarms
and take appropriate action.
The level controls and level alarms are probably the most
important controls on the boiler for ensuring safety and should
only be installed and maintained by suitably trained personnel.
Spirax Sarco can install, commission and provide a regular
maintenance service.
For details of installation, wiring and maintenance see the
Installation and Maintenance Instructions of the individual
components of the system.
Weekly test
High integrity self-monitoring level controls do not require daily
testing but the weekly test should be carried out or witnessed by a
responsible person who appreciates the hazards involved and has
been suitably trained in the safe operation of the boiler and its
controls.
At no time during the test should the water be lowered to the extent
that it disappears from the gauge glass.
1. With the feedpump switched off, allow the water level to fall
by evaporation until the burner shuts down at 1st low alarm.
2. Blow down the boiler until the 2nd low alarm sounds and the
burner controls go to lockout.
3. Raise the water level to normal, reset the lockout and allow
the burner to refire then press the test button (or the externally
wired button if fitted) on the LC3000 for 2nd low to ensure
that the burner shuts down at 2nd low level alarm.
4. Under hand control raise the water level to the high alarm
level. Check that the high alarm sounds.
5. Return all valves and controls to normal and monitor the
boiler until satisfied that it is operating normally.
Quarterly inspection
The Health and Safety Executive recommend from experience
that the boiler controls should be serviced at least at quarterly
intervals. Where the regular tests are carried out properly in a
well run boiler house with good water treatment, it may be that
only an annual inspection of the probes etc. is required. This is
a matter, however, for the user to decide in liaison with his
insurance company inspector in order to determine a sensible
inspection programme to suit the individual boiler plant.
We recommend a regular inspection as follows:
1. Inspect the probe plugs for moisture.
2. Unscrew the probes and wipe away any dirt from the probe
tips. If any hard scale is present it may be an indication of
more serious scale formation elsewhere in the boiler.
Investigate water treatment.
3. Inspect the wiring and controllers for damage.
4. Reassemble and carry out a full functional check.
LC3050
controller
LC2250
controller
LC2250
LC3050
controller
LC3050
ALARM
OK
LC3050
ALARM
OK
AL
AL
AL
OK
LP20 probe /
PA20 preamplifier
LP30
probe
LP30
probe
Boiler
2nd low
High alarm
Pump off
Pump on
Protection tubes
1st
low
