What is the importance of a manual reset function on safety devices?

The manual reset function on safety devices serves a crucial role in ensuring safe operations within a boiler system. When a safety device, such as a limit switch or a pressure relief valve, is triggered due to an unsafe condition—like overheating or excessive pressure—the manual reset feature prevents the system from automatically restarting immediately after the fault condition is cleared. This added layer of safety requires an operator to physically acknowledge and address the issue before normal operations can resume.

This process helps to prevent potentially dangerous situations where an operator might overlook an underlying problem, leading to catastrophic failures or safety hazards. It ensures that the operator has validated the return to a safe operational status before the system restarts, reinforcing the primary purpose of safety devices to protect both personnel and equipment.