In fire protection terminology, the device that monitors valve positions to ensure they stay open is called a ?.

In fire protection terminology, the device that monitors valve positions to ensure they stay open is called a ?.

• A. Valve supervisory switch
• B. Pressure relief valve
• C. Flow switch
• D. Thermal switch

Answer: (A)

Valves in fire protection systems must stay in their commanded positions to guarantee water flow when a system is activated. The device that monitors that valve position and reports its status to the control system is a valve supervisory switch. It is installed so that when the valve is open, the switch is in a monitored state, and if the valve closes or fails to open, the switch signals a fault or alarm. This keeps operators and the system aware of valve readiness, preventing undetected valve closures during an emergency. Other devices serve different roles. A pressure relief valve vents excess pressure, not valve status. A flow switch detects whether water is flowing but doesn’t verify the valve’s actual position. A thermal switch responds to temperature, not valve position.

Valves in fire protection systems must stay in their commanded positions to guarantee water flow when a system is activated. The device that monitors that valve position and reports its status to the control system is a valve supervisory switch. It is installed so that when the valve is open, the switch is in a monitored state, and if the valve closes or fails to open, the switch signals a fault or alarm. This keeps operators and the system aware of valve readiness, preventing undetected valve closures during an emergency.

Other devices serve different roles. A pressure relief valve vents excess pressure, not valve status. A flow switch detects whether water is flowing but doesn’t verify the valve’s actual position. A thermal switch responds to temperature, not valve position.