Final answer:
The typical setting for a T/P valve on a 60-gallon hot water tank is 150 psi and 210°F, which prevents unsafe operating conditions. In contrast, pressure cookers operate at higher pressures to increase the boiling temperature of water, enabling faster cooking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The setting on a T/P (Temperature and Pressure) valve on a domestic 60-gallon hot water tank is typically 150 psi and 210°F. This is to prevent the tank from reaching pressures and temperatures that could cause tank failure or an explosion. In a pressure cooker, however, the higher pressure inside the cookware increases the boiling temperature of water, permitting food to cook faster. For a pressure cooker with a safety valve set to vent steam if the pressure exceeds 3.4 atm, the approximate maximum temperature that can be reached inside this pressure cooker is higher than the standard boiling point of water at 1 atm (100°C).
Understanding the behavior of water at different pressures and temperatures is vital for safely operating appliances that utilize hot water or steam. Knowledge of boiling points at various pressures aids in setting appropriate limits on pressure vessels to prevent accidents.