Warning – Burnham MPC User Manual
Page 70
 
70
WARNING
Exercise caution when handling phosphoric acid 
and follow the instructions on container label. 
Always use protective clothing and equipment 
when working with/near chemicals.
i. Wire brushing of the probe is not recommended
as	the	soft	platinum	guard	ring	sandwiched	
between	the	ceramic	insulators	may	be	damaged.		
Care	must	be	taken	not	to	damage	this	ring	in	
any	way	or	the	useful	life	of	the	probe	may	be	
shortened.
j. Clean the pipe threads of the probe to remove
old, hardened pipe dope and other foreign matter.
k. Apply a moderate amount of good quality pipe
dope to the pipe threads on the probe, leaving the
two end threads bare. Do not use PTFE (Teflon) 
tape.
l. Screw the probe into the boiler tapping.
m. Mount the low water cutoff control on the probe.
n. Reconnect the control to probe wiring.
o. Fill the boiler.
p. Add boiler water treatment compound as needed.
q. Restore electric service to the boiler.
r. Fire burner to bring the water in the boiler to a
boil to drive off free oxygen.
s. BEFORE RETURNING BOILER TO
SERVICE:		Follow	the	low	water	cutoff	check	
out	procedure,	see	Section	V,	Paragraph	E,	Item	
3.
2.	 FLOAT	TYPE	LOW	WATER	CUTOFF
						During	the	heating	season,	if	an	external	low	water	
cutoff	is	on	the	boiler,	the	blow	off	valve	should	
be	opened	once	a	month	(use	greater	frequency	
where conditions warrant), to flush out the sediment 
chamber	so	the	device	will	be	free	to	function	
properly.
Low water cutoffs should be dismantled annually by
qualified personnel, to the extent necessary to insure 
freedom	from	obstructions	and	proper	functioning	of	
the	working	parts.		Inspect	connecting	lines	to	boiler	
for	accumulation	of	mud,	scale,	etc.,	and	clean	as	
required.		Examine	all	visible	wiring	for	brittle	or	
worn	insulation	and	make	sure	electrical	contacts	
are	clean	and	that	they	function	properly.		Give	
special attention to solder joints on bellows and float
when this type of control is used. Check float for 
evidence	of	collapse	and	check	mercury	bulb	(where	
applicable)	for	mercury	separation	or	discoloration.		
DO	NOT	ATTEMPT	TO	REPAIR	MECHANISMS	
IN	THE	FIELD.		
Complete	replacement	mechanisms,	including	
necessary	gaskets	and	installation	instructions,	are	
available	from	the	manufacturer.
D.
chEcK BURNER AND cONTROLs at least once
a	year.		See	Section	V,	Paragraph	E	under	Operating	
Instructions	for	control	checks.		See	Burner	Manual	
and	Table	XII	for	recommended	burner	tests	and	
adjustments.
E.
LUBRicATE BOiLER cOMPONENTs according
to	manufacturer’s	instructions.		Generally,	this	involves	
the	burner	and	circulator.		This	includes	the	type	of	
lubricant	to	use,	frequency	of	lubrication,	and	points	to	
lubricate.
f.
GENERAL MAiNTENANcE
cONsiDERATiONs
1.	 Keep	radiators	and	convectors	clean.
2. If a hot water radiator is hot at the bottom but not at
the	top,	it	indicates	that	air	has	accumulated	inside	
and	should	be	vented.		To	vent	radiator,	hold	small	
cup	under	air	vent	(located	near	top	of	radiator),	
open	vent	until	water	escapes	and	then	close.
3. If a large volume of water is added to the system, it
is	advisable	to	heat	the	system	to	a	high	temperature	
and	vent	again.		This	will	make	less	venting	
necessary	during	the	winter.
4. Where an expansion tank is used, make sure that
neither	the	tank	nor	its	drain	pipe	is	exposed	to	
freezing	temperatures.		Never	place	valves	in	piping	
leading	to	or	from	expansion	tank.
5. Boiler and system cleaning will help assure trouble
free	operation.		See	Section	V,	Paragraph	F,	under	
Operating	Instructions	for	procedure.
G.
ATTENTiON TO BOiLER WhiLE NOT iN
OPERATION
WARNING
If boiler is not used during winter time, it must be 
fully drained to prevent freeze damage.
1. Spray inside surfaces with light lubricating or
crankcase	oil	using	a	gun	with	an	extended	stem	so	
as	to	reach	all	corners.
2. Always keep the manual fuel supply valve shut off
if	the	burner	is	shut	down	for	an	extended	period	of	
time.
3. To recondition the heating system in the fall season
after	a	prolonged	shut	down,	follow	the	instructions	
outlined	in	Section	V	-	Operating	Instructions.