What is an essential safeguard to prevent accidental valve closure?

The use of tamper switches or protective seals is an essential safeguard to prevent accidental valve closure because it provides a direct mechanism to monitor and restrict unauthorized access to critical valves. Tamper switches alert personnel if a valve is opened or closed outside of normal operating procedures, enabling prompt identification and rectification of potential issues. Protective seals can physically indicate if a valve has been tampered with, providing clear visual cues that help maintain the integrity of the system. Both of these measures are vital in ensuring that valves remain in the desired position for the proper functioning of the sprinkler system, thereby enhancing overall safety and reliability.

While regular system inspections play a significant role in maintaining overall system performance, they do not provide the immediate protective measures associated with tamper switches or seals. Increased pressure settings can lead to other safety issues and do not relate directly to preventing valve closure. Alarms on the main control panel are useful for alerting operators to situations but do not prevent accidental closures on their own; they are a reactive measure rather than a proactive safeguard.