Final answer:
None of the listed firing control options, specifically, prevent thermal shock to a hot water boiler. Boilers incorporate design features to ensure gradual heating and minimize the risk of thermal shock (option d).
Step-by-step explanation:
The firing control that will prevent thermal shock to a hot water boiler is none of the options listed above. Thermal shock refers to the rapid temperature change that can occur within the boiler that can cause damage due to the different expansion rates of the boiler's materials. To prevent thermal shock, boilers are typically designed with features like gradual heating procedures, proper circulation, and temperature maintenance strategies, rather than relying on a specific control such as low limit, operating, or high limit control. These basic controls are primarily established for other safety and operational efficiencies instead of specifically addressing thermal shock prevention.
Hence, the answer is option d.