Red Seal Sprinkler Fitter Practice Exam

What purpose does a valve indicator serve?

1. Indicates the temperature of the water

2. Visual indication of valve position

3. Controls the pressure of the system

4. Measures the flow rate

The correct answer is: Visual indication of valve position

A valve indicator serves the important purpose of providing a visual indication of the valve position. This is crucial in systems where valves control the flow of water, as it allows personnel to quickly determine whether a valve is open or closed without needing to manually check the valve itself. This visual feedback helps in ensuring the proper operation and safety of sprinkler systems, as knowing the state of the valve can inform maintenance decisions and emergency procedures. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the function of a valve indicator. For example, while measuring flow rate or controlling pressure involves additional instrumentation such as flow meters or pressure gauges, those functions are not within the purview of a valve indicator. Additionally, temperature sensing would require specific thermometers or temperature sensors, which are separate from the valve indicator's role. Thus, visual indication of valve position is the primary and correct function of the valve indicator in sprinkler systems.