What type of valve is a shut-off valve classified as?

A shut-off valve is classified as a manual valve because it is operated by hand to stop or allow the flow of fluid through a system. This type of valve provides a means to isolate parts of a system for maintenance or in emergencies, making it an essential component in oil burner systems and other similar applications. Manual valves are designed to be directly controlled by the operator, requiring physical intervention to change their state—either open or closed.

In contrast, safety valves are designed to automatically release pressure to prevent system failure, maintenance valves generally facilitate routine upkeep without disrupting system operation, and control valves are used for automatic or variable flow management based on system demands. Thus, the classification of shut-off valves as manual valves highlights their role in direct, operator-driven control over fluid flow in a system.