Control Valve Sign

The Control Valve Sign identifies the location of a fire suppression system control valve, the valve that controls water supply to an automatic sprinkler system or other water-based fire suppression system. NFPA 25 and most applicable fire codes require that all control valves be clearly identified so that firefighters, inspectors, and maintenance personnel can immediately locate the correct shutoff during an emergency, impairment, or service visit. This identification is particularly critical because an unidentified or mislabeled control valve in the wrong position, either closed when it should be open or open when it should be closed, is one of the leading causes of sprinkler system impairment and fire losses.

Control valves include post indicator valves, outside screw and yoke valves, wall post indicator valves, and similar shutoff valves on the supply side of a sprinkler system. The sign is mounted on or adjacent to the valve to make its purpose and identity immediately clear to any personnel who may need to operate or verify it.

• Post Indicator Valves (PIVs): Identifies the PIV on the exterior of a building that controls the main water supply to the sprinkler system, so responding firefighters can verify it is fully open on arrival.
• Interior Riser Control Valves: Marks the main riser control valve or sectional control valves inside a building where they may be accessed during system impairment or service.
• Multiple Zone Systems: In larger buildings where multiple control valves serve different zones or floors, proper signage is essential so service personnel can identify and operate the correct valve without shutting down water supply to an area that remains at risk.
• Standpipe and Hose System Valves: Identifies control valves serving standpipe hose connections in addition to or separate from automatic sprinkler coverage.

• NFPA 25 Compliance: NFPA 25 requires that control valves be identified and their position (open or closed) verified during each required inspection. Signage supports this requirement by making each valve clearly identifiable.
• NFPA 13 Installation Requirement: NFPA 13 requires that all control valves be supervised and identified. Proper signage is part of a compliant sprinkler system installation.
• Placement: Mount directly on or immediately adjacent to the control valve it identifies, at a height and location visible from the normal approach direction.
• Authority Having Jurisdiction: Verify any specific sign format, material, or supplemental information requirements with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Why is control valve identification so important?

An improperly identified or mislabeled control valve is one of the most common factors in sprinkler system failures during fires. If a valve is closed but not recognized as the sprinkler supply shutoff, no one may notice the system is impaired until a fire occurs. Clearly labeled control valves allow firefighters, inspectors, and facility personnel to immediately verify valve position and respond correctly in an emergency.

Does this sign need to indicate whether the valve is open or closed?

The sign identifies the valve's purpose and location. Position indication (open or closed) is typically provided by the valve's own position indicator, such as the indicator stem on an OS and Y valve or the indicator window on a PIV. The sign and the valve's position indicator work together to give personnel complete information about the valve's identity and current state.