American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Practice Exam

The classification of causes of boiler failures often includes factors such as overpressure, which is indeed recognized as a significant cause. Overpressure situations can lead to catastrophic failure of the boiler system, resulting in safety hazards and equipment loss. Under normal operating conditions, boilers are designed to operate within specific pressure limits. When the internal pressure exceeds these limits due to certain operational or design failures, it can lead to structural failure, leaks, or even explosions.

On the other hand, while piping errors, inadequate maintenance, and material mismatches are critical issues that can lead to boiler failures, they are typically not categorized under the primary classifications of causes like overpressure. Each of these alternatives can contribute to boiler issues, but overpressure directly relates to the operational limits and safety standards established in boiler design and use, making it a core classification.