Types of Fire Fighting Valves and Where Each One Is Used

A fire sprinkler or fire water network depends on a small set of valves to control, isolate, protect and monitor the water supply. Choosing the right valve type, and an approved model, is one of the first things a consultant or Civil Defense inspector checks. This guide explains the main types of fire fighting valves and where each one is installed.

1. Gate valves (OS&Y and NRS)

Gate valves are the main isolation valves on fire mains, risers and pump rooms. In fire protection they are resilient-seated and must be indicating, so anyone can see whether the valve is open or closed.

• OS&Y (outside screw and yoke): the stem rises when the valve opens, so its position is visible at a glance. Common in pump rooms and on risers.
• NRS (non-rising stem): compact, used underground or where height is limited, usually with a wall or vertical indicator post to show its position.

Read more: OS&Y vs NRS gate valve – what is the difference?

2. Butterfly valves with supervisory switch

Butterfly valves are lighter and shorter than gate valves, which makes them popular on sprinkler floor control stations and in tight spaces. Fire protection butterfly valves come with a gear operator and a built-in supervisory (tamper) switch that signals the fire alarm panel if the valve is moved from the open position.

3. Check valves

Check valves let water flow in one direction only. They are installed on the fire pump discharge, on the fire department connection and between water sources. Swing check valves (to AWWA C508) are used on larger lines; wafer check valves save space.

4. Alarm check valves

In a wet sprinkler system, the alarm check valve sits at the riser. When a sprinkler opens and water starts to flow, it lifts and sends water to the alarm line, triggering the water motor gong and the pressure switch.

5. Other valves in the system

• Pressure reducing valves: keep pressure within the rating of sprinklers and hose valves in high-rise buildings.
• Y-strainers: protect pumps and control valves from debris.
• Test & drain valves: used to test flow and drain the system at each floor.
• Air release valves: remove trapped air from high points.

Approvals to look for

For fire protection service, valves should be UL Listed and/or FM Approved and match the design standard specified by the consultant (for example AWWA C515 for gate valves). In Saudi Arabia, systems are designed to NFPA standards and the Saudi Fire Code (SBC 801), and approved by Civil Defense.

Where to buy fire fighting valves in Saudi Arabia

Fu-Mech is the exclusive agent of MECH UL/FM fire fighting valves in Saudi Arabia, with stock and technical support in Riyadh. Browse the full range of MECH fire fighting valves or contact us for a quotation.