What is the purpose of a flow switch in a standpipe system?

The purpose of a flow switch in a standpipe system is to alert when water is flowing through the system. This is crucial for monitoring the operational status of the standpipe, particularly during a fire emergency. When water flows through the system, the flow switch activates, indicating that water is being drawn from the standpipe, which often occurs when a hose is connected for firefighting operations.

This alerting function allows firefighters and monitoring systems to determine that water is being utilized, which can inform them of ongoing firefighting efforts and adjust strategies accordingly. The activation of the flow switch can also trigger alarms or notifications to personnel, enhancing safety and coordination during emergencies.

Other options like maintaining water temperature or regulating pressure are not the primary functions of a flow switch. Additionally, preventing backflow is typically managed by different system components designed specifically for that purpose, such as backflow preventers. The flow switch's primary role remains focused on detecting and signaling water movement within the standpipe system.