The main relief valve is located on ________ side of the pump.

The main relief valve is located on ________ side of the pump.

• A. The suction
• B. The discharge
• C. The return
• D. The bypass

Answer: (B)

The main relief valve is placed on the discharge side of the pump. This location lets the valve sense the pressure where the pump generates flow and open to divert excess fluid back to the reservoir (via the bypass) when pressure climbs above the set point. That protects the pump and system from overpressure and potential damage. If it were on the suction side, it wouldn’t control the high discharge pressure, could cause cavitation or air problems, and wouldn’t effectively protect the system.

The main relief valve is placed on the discharge side of the pump. This location lets the valve sense the pressure where the pump generates flow and open to divert excess fluid back to the reservoir (via the bypass) when pressure climbs above the set point. That protects the pump and system from overpressure and potential damage. If it were on the suction side, it wouldn’t control the high discharge pressure, could cause cavitation or air problems, and wouldn’t effectively protect the system.