Each pressurized piping run must have a __________ that will alert the operator to the presence of a leak by restricting or shutting off the flow of regulated substances or triggering an audible or visual alarm.

• A. Line leak detector
• B. Pressure gauge
• C. Flow meter
• D. Alarm switch

Answer: (A)

Detecting leaks in pressurized piping and triggering automatic safety actions is what this item tests. A line leak detector is the device designed to sense a leak along the piping run and to take protective actions—restricting or shutting off flow of the regulated substances or sounding/triggering an audible or visual alarm. This capability is essential to prevent release of hazardous materials and to alert operators promptly. A pressure gauge only measures current pressure and doesn’t automatically detect leaks or shut off flow. A flow meter monitors how much material is moving but doesn’t identify a leak. An alarm switch can raise an alarm, but it doesn’t by itself detect a leak or control the flow. Hence, the line leak detector best fits the requirement.