Valve

In fire services, a valve is a mechanical device used to control, regulate, or direct the flow of a fluid such as water or gas within a fire protection system, such as automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire hydrant systems, fire hose reel systems and special hazard gaseous fire suppression systems.

Valves are are a crucial component of fire protection systems by enabling or restricting fluid or gas flow to specific parts of the network based on operational requirements or during maintenance. Common types of valves used in fire protection systems include:

• Water Supply Control Valves - used to open or close the flow of water, such as gate valves or butterfly valves.
• Alarm Valve - detects the flow of water in a sprinkler system and activate alarm systems to notify of discharge.
• Fire Sprinkler Head - act as valves that open when exposed to heat, allowing water to discharge onto a fire.
• Check Valves - ensure water flows in only one direction to prevent backflow.
• Pressure Relief Valves - regulate pressure to ensure it does not exceed system ratings, safeguarding components.
• Pressure Reducing Valves - regulate downstream pressure to a safe level, especially in systems with high incoming pressure.
• Solenoid Valves - electromechanical type of valve used to control the flow of water remotely as part of a water flow test arrangement.

Valves used in fire services and necessary in controlling the supply and pressure of a fluid or gas while maintaining system reliability, enabling testing, isolation for repairs, and ensuring expected operation and performance.