Gas Fitter Practice Test

A pilot with a lazy yellow flame would indicate what condition?

1. A. Orifice too small

2. B. Gas pressure is too high

3. C. Gas pressure is too low

4. D. Orifice size too large

The correct answer is: D. Orifice size too large

A pilot flame that appears lazy and yellow typically indicates that there is an issue with the gas-air mixture being burned. In this context, a lazy yellow flame suggests that the flame is not burning efficiently and is producing more soot and carbon particles, which is associated with incomplete combustion. This condition often occurs when the orifice size is too large, allowing more gas to mix with insufficient air. When the orifice size is too large, the excess gas can lead to a rich mixture. This means there is an abundance of fuel relative to the amount of air present, resulting in an incomplete combustion process. The excess fuel burns less efficiently, hence the lazy, yellow appearance of the flame. Ideally, a proper balance of gas and air will produce a blue flame, which indicates efficient combustion. Understanding this phenomenon helps in diagnosing problems with gas appliances and ensures they operate safely and effectively. Recognizing that a pilot with a lazy yellow flame indicates an oversized orifice is crucial for troubleshooting and making the necessary adjustments to achieve the correct flame characteristics.