What is a key characteristic of a Double Check Valve Assembly?

A Double Check Valve Assembly is specifically designed to protect potable water supplies from contaminants that may enter through backflow. Its key characteristic is that it consists of two check valves installed in series between two shutoff valves.

This configuration allows the assembly to provide a higher degree of protection against backflow. When water flows in the intended direction, both check valves open, allowing for normal flow. If there is a reverse flow situation, one or both check valves will close, preventing any potential backflow from contaminating the clean water supply.

This design is particularly useful in applications where the water supply may be at risk of being contaminated by non-health hazards, making it a crucial component in certain plumbing and irrigation systems. In contrast to other options, the assembly focuses on providing a dual-layer of check valves to enhance backflow prevention, distinctly setting it apart from other single valve or simple flow control systems.