What is the primary function of the king valve?

The primary function of the king valve is to act as a liquid line service valve. This valve is crucial in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as it is used to isolate the liquid refrigerant flow when servicing or maintaining the system. By allowing or blocking the flow of refrigerant, the king valve ensures that technicians can safely access the system without the risk of refrigerant leakage.

In practice, when maintenance or repairs are necessary, technicians close the king valve to prevent refrigerant from entering the service lines. This action helps in safely managing the refrigerant during repairs or component replacement, minimizing any potential hazards associated with refrigerant exposure. Understanding the role of the king valve enhances overall safety and efficiency during service operations in fire alarm systems and HVAC applications.