In a fire suppression system, what role do control valves play?

Control valves are essential components in a fire suppression system as they regulate the flow of water. Their primary function is to ensure that the correct amount of water is delivered to the sprinkler heads when a fire occurs. By adjusting these valves, technicians can increase or decrease the water pressure in the system, thereby controlling how much water flows to extinguish a fire.

Regulating water flow is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of the suppression system. If water flow is too low, the system won't effectively douse the fire; if it's too high, it could cause water damage or disrupt the operation of fire suppression. Control valves also allow for maintenance and testing of the system without completely draining the water supply.

The other roles mentioned, such as controlling the water source or activating the fire alarm, are handled by different components. Control valves specifically focus on managing water flow, making their role vital to the overall functionality and performance of the fire suppression system.