Why should valve operations be exercised and verified during NFPA 20 testing?

• A. To prevent corrosion of valves
• B. To adjust valve color coding
• C. To ensure proper valve function, seating, and to identify leaks or misoperation
• D. To increase valve noise for testing

Answer: (C)

Regularly exercising and verifying valve operation ensures reliability during an emergency by confirming that each valve moves through its full range, seats tightly when closed, and isolates sections of the piping as intended. This practice helps reveal problems that could compromise the fire pump system, such as stems sticking, misadjusted limits, damaged valve seats, or degraded packing that could cause leaks. By cycling the valves during testing, you verify that actuators and control links respond correctly, that interlocks and alarms function, and that there are no hidden leaks around gaskets, packing, or flanges. In short, exercising valves during NFPA 20 testing confirms they will perform reliably under demand, allow the pump to start and shut off properly, and prevent unwanted leakage or misoperation.