USCG Exam PracticeRefrigeration cycle and components
On a shipboard air-conditioning plant, the condensate drain pan beneath the cooling coil is found to be overflowing. Which of the following is the most likely cause and the primary hazard associated with it?
- A. The refrigerant charge is low, reducing coil temperature and limiting condensate production; the hazard is compressor short-cycling
- ✓ The condensate drain is blocked; the hazard is water damage and mold growth in the spaceCorrect
- C. The cooling coil is frosted over, blocking airflow; the hazard is liquid floodback to the compressor
- D. The chilled-water flow rate is excessive, overcooling the coil; the hazard is elevated head pressure
Why B is correct
A blocked condensate drain causes the pan to overflow, and the source material specifically identifies water damage and mold as the hazards of a blocked drain. A frosted coil is a separate fault associated with below-freezing coil operation, not overflow of the condensate pan on an above-freezing air-conditioning coil.
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14075 §6-7