What is the main purpose of an "alarm check valve"?

The main purpose of an alarm check valve is indeed to signal to the alarm system that water is flowing through the pipes during a fire event. This component is crucial in fire suppression systems because it ensures that whenever there is a demand for water, such as during the activation of a sprinkler head, the alarm system is alerted. This signal is vital for initiating the alarm that notifies occupants of the premises and emergency services of a potential fire situation.

The functionality of the alarm check valve revolves around its design, which allows water to flow in one direction while also connecting to the fire alarm system. When a fire occurs and sprinklers are activated, the flow of water triggers the valve, sending a signal to the alarm system that alerts everyone on-site and helps coordinate a timely response.

Other functions described, such as preventing backflow and regulating water pressure, are important aspects of a fire sprinkler system but are not the primary function of the alarm check valve. Preventing backflow is typically managed by a backflow preventer, and regulating water pressure involves devices such as pressure regulators, which serve different purposes within the overall system. Enhancing visual alarm signals relates to the alarm's effectiveness but is not directly related to the operations of the alarm check valve itself.