Blaze Through the 2026 CPS Firefighter Exam – Ignite Your Career!

The term that describes the rapid, alternating opening and closing of a pressure relief valve is known as chattering. This phenomenon occurs when a pressure relief valve does not maintain a stable position but instead oscillates between open and closed states due to fluctuations in pressure. This can happen when the set pressure of the valve is too close to the system pressure, leading to instability.

Chattering can result in increased wear on the valve components and may compromise the valve's ability to function properly, which could pose safety risks in systems designed to relieve pressure. Understanding chattering is crucial for firefighters, as they may encounter such situations within their roles, especially during equipment maintenance or while ensuring operational safety in hazardous environments. Recognizing and addressing this issue is essential in preventing equipment failure or unintended pressure buildup in firefighting apparatus.