OFTEC Commissioning and Servicing 2

Question 1

What are the key checks included in an annual oil boiler service?

Accepted Answer

Combustion analysis, heat exchanger inspection, flue integrity, oil supply, controls, and safety devices

Answer

Only checking the oil level in the tank

Answer

Only cleaning the outside of the boiler

Answer

Only replacing the filter

Question 2

Why should the oil nozzle be replaced during a service, even if the burner appears to be working well?

Accepted Answer

Nozzles wear over time, changing the spray pattern and degrading combustion before problems become obvious

Answer

Nozzles never wear out

Answer

New nozzles are cheaper than old ones

Answer

It is only done to generate revenue for the technician

Question 3

What should be inspected when examining the heat exchanger during a boiler service?

Accepted Answer

Soot build-up, signs of corrosion, cracks, and any evidence of water leakage

Answer

Only the outside colour

Answer

Only the serial number plate

Answer

Nothing — heat exchangers are sealed units

Question 4

What is the purpose of cleaning the photocell during an oil burner service?

Accepted Answer

Soot or deposits on the photocell can prevent it from detecting the flame, causing nuisance lockouts

Answer

The photocell does not need cleaning

Answer

Cleaning makes the photocell brighter

Answer

It improves the oil flow rate

Question 5

When servicing an oil boiler, what condition of the ignition electrodes would require replacement?

Accepted Answer

Cracked porcelain insulation, heavily pitted or eroded tips, or carbon build-up bridging the gap

Answer

Slight discolouration is sufficient reason

Answer

Electrodes never need replacing

Answer

Only replace if the customer requests it

Question 6

What is the correct procedure for priming an oil burner after the system has run out of fuel?

Accepted Answer

Loosen the bleed screw on the pump, run the burner to expel air, then tighten when oil flows steadily

Answer

Pour oil directly into the combustion chamber

Answer

Hit the pump with a hammer

Answer

Let the system prime itself over 24 hours