Steam pressure gauges should have a range of:

The correct answer is that steam pressure gauges should have a range of 1.5 to 2 times the safety valve setting. This range ensures that the gauge can accurately measure and display the pressure within the system under various operating conditions, while also providing a safety margin.

Having a gauge range that exceeds the safety valve setting by this factor allows for normal operating pressures to be clearly indicated and accommodates potential pressure fluctuations without risking a misleading reading close to the maximum pressure threshold. This is crucial for preventing equipment damage and ensuring the safe operation of the steam system.

The safety operating principles in plant operations dictate that gauges must be capable of handling the pressures they might encounter, and this guideline helps in mitigating risks associated with gauge failure or inaccuracies.