Question 7 1AE01 - First Assistant Engineer

The Correct Answer is A. --- ### Why option A ("the circuit breaker") is correct (the exception) The core premise of the troubleshooting scenario is: **The pump is running well enough to develop a vacuum.** If the circuit breaker were tripped, faulty, or if there were any significant electrical failure, the pump motor would not be running at all, and therefore, it would be unable to develop any vacuum. Since the pump *is* developing vacuum, we know power is successfully reaching the motor and the motor is operating. Checking the circuit breaker would be redundant troubleshooting under these specific symptoms. ### Why the other options are incorrect (must be checked) * **B) for leaks in the suction piping:** A leak in the suction line allows air to enter the pump. This air ingress prevents the pump from achieving or maintaining prime, leading to poor flow or insufficient pumping, even though the pump mechanism itself is actively pulling a vacuum. This must be checked. * **C) relief valve is not properly seated:** If the relief valve (or bypass valve) is stuck open or leaking internally, the pressurized water being drawn in is immediately recirculated back to the suction or discharge port inside the pump housing, resulting in little to no outward flow despite the pump running and developing vacuum. This must be checked. * **D) the suction strainer:** A clogged or restricted suction strainer creates a heavy restriction. The pump pulls hard against the blockage, successfully developing a high vacuum, but little or no water is able to pass through into the pump housing, leading to failed or insufficient pumping. This must be checked.