Types of Industrial Valves Used in Fire Protection Systems

In the field of Fire Protection and Fire Fighting (FPF), the operational effectiveness of the entire system depends heavily on the precise and stable performance of industrial valves. These devices play a critical role in controlling, distributing, and directing water flow to the required areas in the event of a fire emergency.

As a comprehensive engineering solution provider, PME – Phuc Minh Engineering Co., Ltd. is proud to distribute high-quality industrial valves serving fire protection systems in particular and various industrial sectors in general. Our product portfolio features leading global brands known for reliability and performance.

In this article, we will present both an overview and an in-depth analysis of the types of valves used in fire protection systems, while clarifying the function and importance of each valve type in ensuring a rapid and accurate response when a fire incident occurs.

Main Types of Industrial Valves in Fire Protection Systems

Fire protection systems typically utilize various types of valves, each serving a specific function. The most common industrial valves include:

• Gate Valve

• Butterfly Valve

• Ball Valve

• Check Valve

• Float Valve

• Safety Valve

• Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

• Water Hammer Arrestor, etc.

In addition, fire protection systems also require specialized valves such as:

• Alarm Valve

• Deluge Valve

• OS&Y Gate Valve with Supervisory Switch

• Butterfly Valve with Supervisory Switch

• Sight Glass

• Fire Hose Angle Valve

Notably, many components in fire protection systems are required to obtain international certifications such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and FM Approvals (FM) to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards.

PME’s Supply Capability

Currently, PME is a distributor of industrial valves and fire protection equipment from Japan, South Korea, and Europe. We supply products from reputable brands such as Toyo Valve Co., Ltd., HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd., OCV Control Valves, Cla-Val, Weflo Valve Co., Ltd., VINVAL Co., Ltd., and others.

PME’s products have been widely applied in numerous projects nationwide, ranging from high-end residential buildings, shopping centers, schools, hospitals, and hotels–resorts to airports, seaports, hydropower plants, and administrative buildings.

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Diverse Product Range – Suitable for All System Scales

Industrial valves used in fire protection systems come in a wide variety of designs, sizes, and configurations to suit specific system requirements — from small pipelines in residential buildings to large-diameter main lines in factories and industrial zones.

In the following section, let’s explore in detail each type of industrial valve used in fire protection systems and their critical functions in ensuring safe, stable, and efficient system operation.

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1. Gate Valves

The gate valve, also known as a sluice valve, is one of the most commonly used valves in fire protection systems for controlling and regulating water flow. Its structure consists of a wedge-shaped disc that moves up and down to either fully close or fully open the flow.

In fire protection systems, gate valves are typically installed on main water supply lines. They allow isolation of specific sections of the system for maintenance, repair, or for controlling water supply to a designated area during emergencies. Thanks to their tight shut-off capability and minimal pressure loss when fully open, gate valves are an optimal choice for large-diameter pipelines.

Currently, PME supplies a wide range of gate valves to meet various application requirements, including:

• Brass gate valves in common sizes from DN15 to DN50

• Cast iron gate valves from DN50 to DN600

• Stainless steel gate valves and steel gate valves from Toyo Valve Co., Ltd. – Japan

For fire protection systems, UL/FM-approved gate valves — particularly OS&Y gate valves with supervisory switches — are widely used to ensure compliance with safety regulations and proper system monitoring requirements.

2. OS&Y Gate Valve with Supervisory Switchs

The OS&Y (Outside Screw & Yoke) valve is a rising stem gate valve specifically designed for fire protection systems. Its structure consists of two main components:

• The mechanical gate valve

• The supervisory switch (Tamper Switch)

The supervisory switch is an electrical device used to monitor the open/close status of the valve. If the valve position is changed unintentionally or tampered with, the device sends an alarm signal to the control panel, ensuring the system remains in a ready-to-operate condition at all times.

PME currently distributes UL/FM-approved OS&Y gate valves from HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd. (India), with sizes ranging from DN50 to DN600, meeting technical requirements for various types of projects.

In addition, OS&Y gate valves are available in multiple end connection types to suit different system designs, including:

• Flanged type (handwheel operated)

• Grooved type (rising stem with grooved ends)

• Flange x Grooved type

With operational status monitoring capability and high reliability, OS&Y gate valves are indispensable solutions in modern fire protection systems, especially in projects requiring stringent technical standards.

3. Butterfly Valves

The butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve that operates using a rotating disc positioned at the center of the valve body to open, close, and regulate flow. Thanks to its compact design, quick operation, and cost-effectiveness, the butterfly valve is particularly well-suited for fire protection systems.

In fire protection systems, butterfly valves are commonly installed on large-diameter pipelines to control the water supply flow. One of the key advantages of this valve type is its space-saving design, making it highly suitable for technical areas with limited installation space.

PME currently supplies a wide range of butterfly valves, including:

• Cast iron wafer-type butterfly valves – widely used in fire protection, HVAC, and water supply & drainage systems thanks to their cost-effectiveness.

• Lug type butterfly valves and double flanged butterfly valves.

• Cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel butterfly valves from Toyo Valve Co., Ltd. – Japan.

For specialized fire protection systems, butterfly valves are typically required to obtain UL/FM certification and may be integrated with supervisory switches to ensure proper operational status monitoring.

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4. Butterfly Valve with Supervisory Switchs

A butterfly valve with a supervisory switch combines flow control functionality with open/close status monitoring capability. This device is especially important in fire protection systems that require high safety standards and strict operational control.

The supervisory switch (Tamper Switch) sends an alarm signal to the control panel if the valve position is changed unintentionally, ensuring the system remains ready for operation in case of an emergency.

PME currently distributes UL/FM-approved butterfly valves with supervisory switches, including:

• Wafer-type butterfly valve with supervisory switch

• Grooved-type handwheel butterfly valve with supervisory switch

• Lug-type handwheel butterfly valve with supervisory switch

These products provide both reliable flow control and continuous system monitoring, making them essential components in modern fire protection installations.

The common size range is from DN50 to DN300.

HD Fire’s (India) fire protection butterfly valves feature grooved connections compliant with ISO 6182 and AWWA C606 standards, meeting technical requirements for a variety of projects.

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5. Ball Valves

The ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that uses a hollow ball with a through-hole to open, close, or allow water flow. When the handle is rotated 90 degrees, the ball changes the orientation of the drilled hole, thereby fully opening or closing the flow.

In fire protection systems, ball valves are highly valued for their tight shut-off, simple operation, durability, and reliability in emergency situations. They are typically used on branch lines, small-diameter pipelines, or locations requiring quick operation.

PME offers a wide range of ball valves, including:

• Brass ball valves: DN15 – DN50

• Cast iron ball valves: DN50 – DN200

• Stainless steel ball valves: DN15 – DN250

These products are available with both threaded and flanged connections, meeting a variety of installation requirements.

6. Check Valves

The check valve, also known as a non-return valve, is designed to allow water to flow in only one direction, preventing backflow. This is an important component in fire protection systems to maintain stable pressure and protect the water supply.

In practice, check valves are typically installed on main supply lines or between system segments to prevent water from flowing back into pumps, reservoirs, or other branches.

PME currently distributes check valves from Toyo Valve Co., Ltd. – Japan, available in various materials such as brass, cast iron, and stainless steel, including:

• Spring check valve

• Swing check valve

• Dual plate check valve

Common sizes:

• Brass threaded check valves: DN15 – DN50

• Cast iron flanged check valves: DN65 – DN600

In addition, PME also supplies UL/FM-approved check valves from HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd. (India) with the following connection types:

• Flanged

• Grooved type

• Flanged face-to-face according to ASME B16.10 Class 125

The size range is from DN50 to DN300, meeting the stringent requirements of modern fire protection systems.

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7. Float Valves

The float valve is an essential device in the water supply system of fire protection systems (FPF), responsible for maintaining a stable water level in the reservoir to ensure a ready water supply during emergencies.

The operation of a float valve is based on changes in the water level in the tank. When the water level drops below the set point, the valve automatically opens to supply additional water or triggers a signal to activate a pump. When the tank is full, the valve closes to prevent overfilling and water wastage.

PME currently offers a wide range of float valves suitable for different system scales:

• Mechanical float valves with threaded brass or stainless steel connections for small-diameter pipelines.

• Hydraulic or electric float valves for large pipelines, flanged cast iron type, with sizes ranging from DN50 to DN800.

Prominent brands include OCV Control Valves and Samyang Valve Co., Ltd., providing stable operation, high durability, and precise water level control.

8. Safety Valve

The safety valve and safety relief valve are pressure protection devices designed to prevent overpressure in piping systems. When the pressure exceeds the set limit, the valve automatically releases the fluid to reduce the pressure back to a safe level, thereby protecting the equipment and the entire system.

Depending on the type of medium used, safety valves are classified into several types:

• Water (hydraulic) safety valves

• Steam safety valves

• Gas (compressed air) safety valves

In fire protection systems, operating pressures are often high and fluctuate rapidly. Therefore, hydraulic safety valves are recommended to be installed at multiple branches and critical areas to ensure maximum safety. The valves can be threaded brass type for small pipelines or flanged cast iron type for larger systems.

PME currently offers safety valve solutions from reputable international brands such as:

• Nacional – Spain

• OCV – USA

• Samyang – South Korea

These products meet high technical standards, provide long-term stability, and are widely applied in numerous fire protection projects across the country.

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9. Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

The pressure reducing valve (PRV) plays a crucial role in maintaining stable and appropriate water pressure in fire protection systems. This device automatically adjusts the outlet pressure to a preset value, ensuring sufficient pressure at the point of use without exceeding the allowable limit.

Installing a PRV helps to:

• Prevent damage to pipes and equipment due to overpressure

• Stabilize pressure throughout the system

• Ensure effective firefighting at high floors or areas far from the water source

PME is known as a trusted provider of water and steam PRV solutions, offering a variety of materials and sizes:

• Threaded brass PRVs: DN15 – DN50

• Stainless steel PRVs

• Flanged cast iron PRVs: DN65 – DN300

 

Prominent brands include:

• OCV / Cla-Val – USA

• VYC – Spain

• Samyang – South Korea

• RKS – China

These products are currently applied in thousands of residential and industrial projects nationwide.

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10. Water Hammer Arrestors

Water hammer occurs when the flow in a pipeline changes suddenly, generating large pressure waves that can cause vibrations, pipe cracking, and equipment damage. In fire protection systems, especially on high-pressure main lines, controlling water hammer is extremely important.

A water hammer arrestor is designed to absorb and dissipate sudden pressure surges, protecting the entire system and ensuring safe and stable operation.

For main pipelines, PME recommends installing:

• Mooha water hammer arrestors (DN25 – DN150)

• SAV 550 flanged water hammer arrestor valves (DN50 – DN600) from TOZEN Co., Ltd. – Japan

These products utilize advanced technology and have been deployed by PME in numerous large-scale projects nationwide.

For end-of-line locations or smaller systems, suitable solutions include threaded water hammer arrestors from Cal-Val – USA and NSV Co., Ltd. – South Korea, providing protection for terminal equipment and enhancing overall system durability.

11. Y-Strainer

The Y strainer is an essential device in liquid piping systems, especially in fire protection systems (FPF). Although often classified as a pipe accessory, the Y strainer can also be considered a type of mechanical valve since it is installed directly on the pipeline and helps protect the entire system.

This device has a Y-shaped body with an internal mesh screen designed to trap debris, rust, and relatively large impurities in the water flow. By doing so, the Y strainer protects pumps, control valves, sprinkler heads, and other terminal devices from potential damage, while maintaining the system’s cleanliness and stability.

PME offers a wide range of Y strainers:

• Threaded brass Y strainers

• Flanged cast iron or steel Y strainers

• Threaded or flanged stainless steel Y strainers

Specifically for fire protection systems, PME distributes UL/FM-approved Y strainers from HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd. (India), including both flanged and grooved types, with sizes ranging from DN50 to DN300.

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12. Alarm Valves

The alarm valve is a central device in wet sprinkler systems for buildings such as residential complexes, shopping centers, factories, hotels, and resorts. It controls and monitors the water supply entering the automatic fire sprinkler network.

When a fire occurs and the sprinkler heads are activated, the water flow through the valve simultaneously triggers a mechanical or electrical alarm mechanism, sending a warning signal to the central control system. This ensures that incidents are detected quickly and responded to promptly.

PME currently serves as the distributor of UL/FM-approved alarm valves from HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd. (India), including:

• Standard alarm valves

• Combined alarm valves

• Chamber-type alarm valves

• Alarm valves with integrated signal switches

• Grooved connection alarm valves

The size range is from DN65 to DN200, meeting the strict technical requirements of modern fire protection systems.

13. Deluge Valve

The deluge valve is a critical component in deluge fire suppression systems and pre-action systems. These specialized systems are designed to deliver large volumes of water over wide areas in a short time, typically used in high-risk fire areas such as industrial plants, fuel storage warehouses, power stations, and aircraft hangars.

Under normal conditions, the piping system remains dry or unpressurized. When a signal is triggered by the fire detection system, the deluge valve fully opens, allowing high-pressure water to be distributed simultaneously to all pre-opened sprinkler heads.

PME currently distributes UL/FM-approved pre-action and deluge valves from HD Fire Protect Pvt. Ltd., available in sizes DN80, DN100, and DN150. These valves are designed according to international standards, ensuring reliability and rapid response in emergency situations.

14. Fire Hose Angle Valve

The fire hose angle valve is installed at building fire hose outlets and is responsible for supplying water directly to firefighting personnel during an emergency.

These valves are typically made of brass with threaded connections, commonly sized DN50 and DN65, ensuring high durability and good pressure resistance. As a critical terminal device, the angle valve directly impacts the effectiveness of firefighting operations on site.

PME distributes fire hose angle valves from Shin Yi Co., Ltd., a reputable fire protection equipment manufacturer widely used in numerous projects across Vietnam.

15. Sight Glass

The sight glass is a device that provides visual monitoring of the fluid inside pipelines. In fire protection systems, it is typically installed on branch lines leading to sprinkler networks to check for the presence and flow intensity of water.

Through the sight glass, operators can quickly determine whether the system has water flow, supporting routine inspection, maintenance, and operational checks.

PME supplies sight glasses from Yoshitake Co., Ltd. – Japan, meeting high technical standards for fire water supply systems.

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In addition to the devices mentioned above, PME also provides a variety of specialized fire protection valves and equipment, including:

• Foam control valves for automatic foam systems

• Dry pipe valves

• Specialized automatic control valves for specific system applications

Selecting the correct type of specialized valve, meeting international standards and suited to the system design, is a key factor in ensuring the safety, stability, and reliability of fire protection systems during emergencies.

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Conclusion

Industrial valves and fire protection valves are core components of any firefighting system. They not only regulate and control water flow but also ensure precise, timely operation during emergencies.

Understanding the function of each valve type and choosing suitable products from the design stage helps improve operational efficiency, minimize risks, and optimize long-term maintenance costs. When installed and maintained properly, a fire protection system can maximize its role in protecting people and property from fire damage.

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PM ENGINEERING (PME) – Leading Industrial Equipment Partner

PM ENGINEERING (PME) is proud to be a leading distributor of high-quality industrial equipment and products in Vietnam and the region. With many years of experience in engineering, electromechanical systems, industrial valves, and fire protection equipment, PME is committed to providing optimal solutions, internationally certified products, and expert technical support for its customers.

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All content in this article is compiled and published by the PME News Editorial Team.

Content Engineer: Van Duong

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