What is the primary function of a control valve in a water-based fire protection system?

The primary function of a control valve in a water-based fire protection system is to manage and control the flow of water within the system. Control valves play a crucial role in ensuring that the appropriate amount of water is delivered to the fire protection system components, such as sprinklers or standpipes, when activated. By opening and closing, these valves help establish the desired pressure and volume of water necessary to effectively suppress a fire.

While regulating water pressure is a function associated with control valves, it is not their primary purpose. Monitoring temperature and detecting leaks are functions more relevant to other systems and devices, such as temperature sensors and leak detection systems, which are not the main focus of control valves in fire protection. Thus, emphasizing the management of water flow encapsulates the essential role that control valves play in maintaining the performance and reliability of water-based fire protection systems.