While today’s world of fire protection and suppression systems is bustling with viable and reliable options, one component has emerged as critical, especially in demanding and high-risk environments: the Post-Indicator Valve (PIV).

Still, like any technology, the PIVs come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Today, we’ll explore their benefits and drawbacks, helping you determine whether Kennedy post-indicator valves are worth incorporating into your fire safety infrastructure.

What are the advantages of PIV?

It comes as no surprise that PIVs are so widely used today. After all, they offer some significant advantages over their traditional counterparts, including (but not limited to):

Enhanced visibility & monitoring: 

One of the primary purposes of PIVs is to be easily noticeable and to clearly indicate whether the valve is open or closed, which is achieved via standout design, visible post, and strategic positioning. These features not only facilitate emergency responses but, also, enable inspectors and maintenance personnel to identify and address system issues more quickly.

Improved safety & overall system functionality

This benefit is actually two-in-one:

• The PIV helps prevent accidental shutdowns of fire protection systems by clearly indicating the status of the valve;
• Offers better control of the system by allowing for quick isolation of specific zones during emergencies, without disrupting (or engaging) the entire system.

In high-risk environments where fire protection must always be on standby, this degree of control and reliability provides much-needed peace of mind.

Streamlined maintenance & inspections

The immediate visibility and easy accessibility of PIVs simplify routine checks, allowing for more efficient maintenance. What’s more, the aforementioned zoning capabilities further streamline repair and upkeep efforts, as you don’t have to shut down the entire system to address an issue at a specific part of it. Over time, this can lead to significant cost savings, as it reduces the time and labor required for inspections, repairs, and maintenance.

Compliance with codes

Many jurisdictions and regulatory standards (e.g., NFPA) require the use of indicating valves in certain configurations of fire protection systems. PIV incorporation can ensure your setup meets these mandatory requirements, thereby saving you from unnecessary fines and (worse) operation shutdowns.

What are the limitations of PIV?

While they boast many advantages, PIVs do have some limitations, such as:

• Higher upfront costs: Compared to non-indicator valves, PIVs are generally more expensive to buy and install, which can be a deterrent for projects on tighter budgets.
• Potential for mechanical failure: Like any mechanical system, PIVs can malfunction, although these instances are rare with proper maintenance.
• Additional maintenance for the indicator: If we were to split hairs, we could say that this is the limiting factor, in it that it adds to the overall upkeep workload.

However, if we compare these “negatives” to the positives (specifically, the “streamlined maintenance” portion), it is clear that PIVs will make up for the initial investment, especially in the long term.

Is PIV worth it?

With everything mentioned thus far, we can say that the only two situations in which PIVs might not be worth it (emphasis on “might”) are if:

• Your budget is extremely tight, making the upfront investment prohibitive;
• Your fire protection needs are met with simpler solutions and regulatory requirements do not specifically demand PIVs.

In every other instance, the benefits of PIVs far outweigh the drawbacks, making them absolutely worth having in any fire protection system.

Where can I find a Kennedy post indicator valve for sale near me?

For nearly 70 years, Blair Supply has been the nation’s preferred destination for water infrastructure materials, including high-end components for fire protection systems. We partner with the industry’s leading manufacturers, renowned for the quality and reliability of their products, ensuring your project meets the highest standards.

Whether you’re upgrading to a pre-action sprinkler system or installing a new infrastructure altogether, you can count on us to deliver the type of PIV ideally suited to your needs. Reach out to one of our warehouses in Monroe or Jefferson County, NY and let us help drive your project forward – to success!