What happens if the pressure gauge range is less than the MAWP of the boiler?

If the pressure gauge range is less than the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of the boiler, it can lead to inaccurate readings. A pressure gauge that is not capable of measuring pressures up to the MAWP may not provide a reliable indication of the boiler's operating pressure. When the gauge is subjected to pressures it cannot accurately measure, it can produce readings that are either not useful or entirely misleading.

Inaccurate readings can pose serious safety risks, as operators may believe the system is functioning within safe limits when it is not. Moreover, it can lead to improper maintenance or operational decisions based on false information, increasing the likelihood of equipment failure or hazardous situations. Therefore, it is essential for the pressure gauge to be appropriately selected to match or exceed the MAWP, ensuring accurate measurements and effective monitoring of the boiler's pressure.