Pilot operated pressure reduction valve (PO-PRV) installation
Where a pilot operated pressure reduction valve (PO-PRV) is installed within a fire hydrant and/or sprinkler system, the pilot tube must not include any isolating valve that could be left closed and prevent the PO-PRV from operating during fire.
Note: FRNSW have encountered a quarter-turn isolating valve on the pilot tube being left in the closed position, rendering the PO-PRV nonoperational during a fire.
Where an isolating valve is identified on the pilot tube of any PO-PRV, FRNSW recommends that:
- the isolating valve be removed from the pilot tube in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard, or
- the isolating valve be locked in the open position and monitored in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard, or
- the PO-PRV be replaced with a pressure reducing valve that does not have any isolating valve on the pilot tube.
Note: FRNSW does not support disabling or removing the isolating valve lever; the lever position indicates the valve status (i.e. open or closed) to firefighters and maintenance personnel.
Updated: 5th December 2024