The piping from the fire department connection to the fire service main should not include which component?

The correct choice is to avoid including control valves in the piping from the fire department connection to the fire service main. Control valves are typically used to regulate the flow and pressure within a system, but their presence in this particular location can introduce unnecessary complexity and potential points of failure. In an emergency situation, fire department personnel need to access water quickly and efficiently, and the inclusion of a control valve could hinder immediate water supply.

The absence of control valves ensures that the water supply is direct and unobstructed, allowing firefighters to obtain the necessary flow without complications. In contrast, components such as check valves, drain valves, and shut-off valves serve specific purposes that support the functionality and maintenance of the system while still permitting rapid access to water when required. For instance, check valves prevent backflow, drain valves allow for the draining of the system, and shut-off valves can isolate sections of the system for maintenance while still ensuring operational integrity elsewhere.