What is the significance of tamper switches on a post indicating valve (PIV)?

Tamper switches on a post indicating valve (PIV) play a crucial role in the fire protection system of a building. Their primary significance lies in monitoring the status of the valve to ensure it remains in the proper position and is not tampered with or compromised.

When a tamper switch is installed, it triggers an alarm when the valve is moved from its designated position, alerting the fire safety team and other responsible entities. This is vital because unauthorized access or alteration to the PIV could prevent the fire suppression system from functioning correctly in an emergency.

In essence, tamper switches safeguard against the risk of human interference which could lead to malfunctioning or ineffective fire suppression capabilities during a fire incident. This monitoring capability is critical to maintaining the integrity of the overall fire safety system in high-rise buildings.