What is the role of a supervisory device in fire systems?

The role of a supervisory device in fire systems is primarily to signal when certain conditions occur. This type of device is designed to monitor specific parameters within the fire protection system, such as the status of valves or the presence of water flow, and will send alerts when these parameters deviate from their expected settings.

For example, if a valve is closed unintentionally, or if there is a change in pressure that could indicate a leak or a malfunction, the supervisory device will notify the control panel or central monitoring station. This early warning capability is critical for maintaining the integrity of the fire protection system and ensuring that it can function correctly in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, supervisory devices do not actively control water pressure, activate valves, or detect smoke. Instead, they focus on ensuring system readiness and operational integrity by providing timely alerts that allow personnel to respond to potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems.