What is the function of a zone control valve in a fire sprinkler system?

A zone control valve in a fire sprinkler system plays a crucial role in managing water supply to specific areas or zones of a building. This functionality is particularly important for maintenance and testing purposes, as it allows technicians to isolate certain sections of the sprinkler system without affecting the operation of the entire system. By controlling water flow to these specific zones, the valve enables focused inspections, repairs, or upgrades while still providing protection to other areas.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of a zone control valve. Monitoring water pressure levels is typically handled by pressure sensors or gauges, not by the zone control valve itself. Distributing water equally across the entire system is not the main purpose of a zone control valve, as its design is to allow or restrict flow in selected areas rather than to equalize distribution. Activating alarms during a fire is a function reserved for alarm systems that detect smoke or heat, which are separate from the operation of a zone control valve. These distinctions clarify why A, controlling water flow to specific zones, is the correct answer.