What is the post indicator valve?

What is the post indicator valve?

Installed in the main water line serving a building, the Post Indicator Valve (PIV) is a valve used to control the water supply to the fire sprinkler system. The PIV has a display that shows whether water is being pumped into the system (“OPEN”) or not (“CLOSED”).

Where are post indicator valves normally located?

In a standard PIV, the post body is mounted on top of the fire sprinkler/standpipe system’s water supply pipe. Sometimes this means the bottom of the PIV is buried under the ground, while other times, it may have a flange that is bolted down to a concrete platform that stores the supply pipe.

How do you adjust a post indicator valve?

FIELD ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove the top section from the Indicator Post assembly.
2. Loosen the telescoping barrel screw and adjust barrel to the ground level.
3. Cut the 1” square stem at a distance of 9” above the top of the barrel end.
4. Set the “OPEN” and “SHUT” targets for the appropriate valve size.

What does a post indicator valve look like?

These systems usually have a lockable actuator which looks like a red metal steering wheel or a wrench/handle on top of a post. It also has a glass or plastic window, which indicates whether the valve is open or shut.

What are the requirements for a post indicator valve?

The 2019 edition of NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems offers the most specific post indicator valve requirements. Except for fire department connections, Section 6.3.6.1.1 says that every water supply should have a listed indicating valve in an approved location.

Where does NPFA 13 stand on post indicator valves?

Wall-point-indicating valves, or underground valve with roadway box and T-wrench, are alternative options that require AHJ approval (NFPA 14 2000 4-2.6, 2003-07 6.2.6, 2010-19 6.3.6). So where does NPFA 13 stand on post-indicator valves?

Where is the post indicator valve located on a fire sprinkler system?

A post-indicator valve (item 4) is one that “is commonly used as the valve operator for automatic fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, where the system main valve is located underground outside the building.”

What are the NFPA guidelines for sprinkler systems?

For systems that follow the guidelines of NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, the waters are even murkier. The only guidance from the 2019 edition concerning post indicator valves is in Section 16.9.9.

What is a post indicator?

Also known as PIV, indicator post, I post, IP, post indicator, or wall post, a post indicator valve is a valve assembly used for the purpose of underground piping for water supply to fire protection systems such as sprinklers, sprays, foams, deluges, etc.

What are post indicator valves used for?

A post indicator valve (PIV) is a valve assembly used to open or close the water supply to fire protection systems in large buildings.

What is a wall post indicator?

The wall post indicator valve is used where the water main passes through a wall cavity. This valve type features a short post that protrudes horizontally from the wall. This type generally has a hand-wheel type of actuator and a similar status indicator to the other types.