What voltage should portable lamps used inside a boiler be limited to in order to eliminate electrocution risk?

Portable lamps used inside a boiler should be limited to 12 volts to significantly reduce the risk of electrocution. This is due to the fact that lower voltage levels are much safer in wet or potentially hazardous environments like those found in and around boilers.

When electrical equipment is used in areas where moisture is present, such as within a boiler, higher voltages can pose a significant shock hazard. At 120 volts or even 48 volts, the risk of serious injury or fatal electrocution increases substantially if someone comes into contact with the equipment.

By limiting the voltage to 12 volts, the potential for harmful electric shock decreases significantly, as this voltage is below the threshold where most people will experience a noticeably painful shock and is far below the levels that can stop the heart or cause severe injury.

Using lower voltage systems such as 12 volts enhances safety, particularly in environments that may be damp or where people may be in contact with conductive surfaces, ultimately providing a safer working condition.