What’s a post indicator valve?

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A post indicator valve (PIV) is a valve assembly used to turn on or off the water supply to fire protection systems in large buildings. It consists of a traditional gate or butterfly valve placed on the fire system water supply with a raised post protruding from ground level or a wall. Housed at the top of the mast are the valve actuator and a visual indicator of valve status. This arrangement allows the valve to be opened and closed easily and its position to be seen clearly. The three main types—ground, pedestal, and wall—are installed in different configurations and orientations.

Fire extinguishing systems in large buildings and factories are usually fed by buried or buried water mains. These systems include sprinkler, spray, deluge, foam, and standpipe installations and all include at least one main isolation valve, usually of the post-indicator type. This valve is typically located at the entry point to any fire system or subsystem and the actual gate or butterfly mechanisms are most often underground or in wall cavities. To ensure they can be easily seen and accessed, the controls and a valve status indicator are placed on a prominent post that protrudes from the ground or wall surface.

The three most common types of post-gauge valves are ground, pedestal, and wall. Each type is suitable for different types of water supply installations, although they all function in the same way and have many common characteristics. The ground post type is typically used when the valve is located outside a building. It features a tall, upright post with its underside buried in the ground and typically has a wrench-type operating handle at the top. The open/close indicator or target plate is located under the top of the post behind a window and provides a clear visual indication of valve status.

The pedestal indicator valve is used inside buildings with underground water systems. This variant is similar to the ground post type in many respects, except for the post mounting method. This valve features a post that has a flange bolted to a concrete pedestal or pedestal. The rest of the post valve mechanics remain the same as the post ground valve.

The wall indicator valve is used when mains water passes through a wall cavity. This type of valve has a short post that protrudes horizontally from the wall. This type generally has a handwheel type actuator and status indicator similar to the other types.

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