What is meant by the term "dead band" as it applies to prime mover speed control governors?

Correct Answer: Option B — Dead band is the change in speed required before the governor will initiate a corrective action as the result of a load change.

Dead band is the range of speed deviation within which the governor remains inactive. It represents the inherent insensitivity or mechanical lag before the governor senses a speed change and initiates corrective action. Minimizing dead band is critical for precise speed regulation in shipboard prime movers.