Page 1 of 6

ESFR PENDENT SPRINKLER

TECHNICAL DATA
VK500 (K14.0)

The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058

Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-818-1680 Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page: www.vikinggroupinc.com
1. DESCRIPTION
Viking Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) Pendent Sprinkler VK500 is a fast
response fusible element type sprinkler designed for early fire suppression. With a 14.0
(202 metric*) nominal K-Factor and special deflector, this sprinkler produces large,
high-momentum water droplets in a hemispheric pattern below the deflector. This
permits penetration of the fire plume and direct wetting of the burning fuel surface while
cooling the atmosphere early in the development of a high-challenge fire.
Viking VK500 ESFR Pendent Sprinklers may be used in the protection of ordinary types
of storage. However, they are primarily intended to protect the following types of stor-
age, which tend to produce severe-challenge fires: palletized and solid pile storage and
single, double, multiple row, and portable open rack storage (no open-top containers
or solid shelves).
Viking ESFR Pendent VK500 Sprinklers provide protection of most common storage
materials, including:
--Encapsulated or unencapsulated Class I, II, III, and IV commodities*.
--Cartoned and uncartoned unexpanded plastics*.
--Cartoned and uncartoned expanded plastics*.
* Refer the Approval Charts and Commodity Selection and Design Criteria Overview for cULus
Listing and FM Approval requirements that must be followed.
In addition, some storage arrangements of rolled paper, aerosols, and rub-
ber tires may be protected by Viking ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK500. TABLE 1

2. LISTINGS AND APPROVALS SPRINKLER GENERAL INFORMATION

cULus Listed: Category VNWH Item Description
FM Approved: Class 2008 Sprinkler Identification
VK500
Number (SIN)
NYC Approved: MEA 89-92-E, Volume 18
K-factor, gpm/psi½ (lpm/bar½) 14.0 (363)
VdS Approved: Certificate G4010001
Thread Size 3/4” NPT (20mm BSPT)
CCCF Approved: Approved by the China Certification Center for Sprinkler Orientation Pendent
Fire Products (CCCF) Maximum Working Pressure 175 psi (12 bar)

NOTE: Other International approval certificates are available upon request. 

Refer to the Approval Charts and Commodity Selection and Design Criteria
Overview for cULus Listing and FM Approval requirements that must be
followed.

3. TECHNICAL DATA
Specifications:
Available since 2000.
Minimum Operating Pressure: Refer to NFPA 13 or FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheets.
Maximum Working Pressure: 175 psi (12 bar). Factory tested hydrostatically to 500 psi (34.5 bar).
Thread size: 3/4” NPT or 20 mm BSPT
Nominal K-Factor: 14.0 U.S. (202 metric**)
**Metric K-factor measurement shown is when pressure is measured in bar. When pressure is measured in kPa, divide the metric K-factor shown by 10.0.
Overall Length: 2-7/8” (73 mm)
Deflector Diameter: 1-3/4” (44.5 mm)
Material Standards:
Frame Casting: Brass UNS-C84400
Deflector: Phosphor Bronze UNS-C51000
Seat for Sprinkler 11350: Stainless Steel UNS-S31603
Seat and Insert Assembly for Sprinkler 10284: Copper UNS-C11000 and Stainless Steel UNS-S30400

Form No. F_060198 19.05.16 Rev 19.1 Replaces Form No. F_060198 Rev 18.3
(Removed CE.)
 Page 2 of 6

ESFR PENDENT SPRINKLER

TECHNICAL DATA
VK500 (K14.0)

The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058

Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-818-1680 Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page: www.vikinggroupinc.com
Belleville Spring Sealing Assembly: Nickel Alloy, coated on both sides with PTFE Tape
Compression Screw: Stainless Steel UNS-S31603
Trigger and Support: Stainless Steel UNS-S31600
Fusible Element Assembly: Beryllium Nickel, coated with black acrylic paint.
Ejector Spring (Sprinkler Base Part No. 11350 only): 17-7 Stainless Steel
Ordering Information: (Also refer to the current Viking price list.)
Order ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK500 by first adding the appropriate suffix for the sprinkler finish and then the appropriate suffix
for the temperature rating to the sprinkler base part number.
Finish Suffix: Brass = A
Temperature Suffix: 165 °F (74 °C) = C, 205 °F (96 °C) = E
For example, sprinkler 10284 with a Brass finish and a 165 °F (74 °C) temperature rating = Part No. 10284AC.
Accessories: (Also refer to the Viking website.)
Sprinkler Wrench:
Part No. 13635W/B (double-ended wrench - Use Side A. Side B is for use with K25.2 ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK510) Available since 2006.
Sprinkler Cabinet:
Twelve-head capacity: Part No. 01725A (available since 1971)

AVAILABLE SPRINKLER TEMPERATURE RATINGS AND FINISHES

Sprinkler Temperature Sprinkler Nominal Maximum Ambient Frame Paint
Classification Temperature Rating1 Ceiling Temperature2 Color
Ordinary 165 °F (74 °C) 100 °F (38 °C) None
Intermediate 3
205 °F (96 °C) 150 °F (65 °C) White
Sprinkler Finish: Brass
Footnotes
1. The sprinkler temperature rating is stamped on the deflector.
2. Based on NFPA-13. Other limits may apply, depending on fire loading, sprinkler location, and other requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Refer to specific installation standards.
3. The intermediate temperature rating is available for Sprinkler Base Part No. 10284 only.

Wrench flat Protective

Sprinkler 1-7/16”
Cap (37 mm)
2-7/8”
(74 mm)

1-7/16”
Sprinkler (37 mm)
10284
Shown
Use Side A for VK500 1-3/4”
(45 mm)
Figure 1: ESFR Pendent Sprinkler Wrench Figure 2: ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK500 Dimensions
Form No. F_060198 19.05.16 Rev 19.1
 Page 3 of 6

ESFR PENDENT SPRINKLER

TECHNICAL DATA
VK500 (K14.0)

The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058

Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-818-1680 Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page: www.vikinggroupinc.com

Approval Chart 1 - (UL)

ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK500
Maximum 175 PSI (12 bar) WWP
Listings and Approvals3,4
Thread Size Nominal K-Factor Overall Length
Base Part (Refer to Design Criteria in this document.)
SIN
Number1 Inches mm
U.S. Metric2 Inches mm cULus5 NYC6 VdS CCCF
NPT BSPT
10284 3/4 -- A1, B1 A1 -- --
11350 3/4 -- -- A1 A1 --
VK500 14.0 202 2-7/8 73
19855 3/4 -- -- -- -- A1
21360 -- 20 -- -- -- A1
Approved Temperature Ratings Approved Finish
A - 165 °F (74 °C) B - 205 °F (96 °C) 1 - Brass
Footnotes
1. Base Part number shown. For complete part number, refer to price list.
2. Metric K-factor measurement own is when pressure is measured in bar. When pressure is measured in kPa, divide the metric K-Factor shown by 10.0.
3. This chart shows listings and approvals available at the time of printing. Other approvals may be in process.
4. Refer to the latest standards of NFPA 13 and the latest VdS standards.
5. Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for use in the U.S. and Canada.
6. Accepted for use, City of New York Department of Buildings, MEA 89-92-E, Vol. 18.

Approval Chart 2 - (FM)

Quick Response Pendent Sprinkler VK500
Maximum 175 PSI (12 bar) WWP
NPT Thread Size Nominal K-Factor Overall Length
Base Part FM Approvals3,4
SIN Inches mm
Number1 U.S. metric 2
Inches mm (Refer also to Design Criteria below.)
NPT BSPT
10284
VK500 3/4” -- 14.0 202 2-7/8 73 A1, B1
11350
Approved Temperature Ratings Approved Finish
A - 165 °F (74 °C) B - 205 °F (96 °C) 1 - Brass

Footnotes
1. Base part number shown. For complete part number, refer to the price list.
2. Metric K-Factor measurement shown is when pressure is measured in bar. When pressure is measured in kPa, divide the metric K-Factor shown by 10.0.
3. This chart shows the FM Approvals available at the time of printing. Other approvals may be in process.
4. FM Approved as a quick response pendent Non-Storage sprinkler and also FM Approved as a quick response pendent Storage sprinkler. Refer to
Design Criteria below.

Form No. F_060198 19.05.16 Rev 19.1

 Page 4 of 6

ESFR PENDENT SPRINKLER

TECHNICAL DATA
VK500 (K14.0)

The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058

Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-818-1680 Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page: www.vikinggroupinc.com

TABLE 2
COMMODITY SELECTION AND DESIGN CRITERIA OVERVIEW FOR MODEL VK500 ESFR PENDENT SPRINKLERS

Storage Type NFPA FM

Sprinkler Type ESFR Storage

Response Type ESFR QR

System Type Wet Pipe system only Wet Pipe system only

Temperature Rating(s) ºF (ºC) 165 ºF (74 ºC) and 205 (96 ºC) 165 ºF (74 ºC) and 205 (96 ºC)

Open Frame Single, Double, Multiple-

Row, or Portable Rack Storage of Class I-IV Refer to NFPA 13. Refer to FM 2-0 and 8-9.
and Group A or B Plastics

Solid Pile or Palletized Storage of Class I-IV and

Refer to NFPA 13. Refer to FM 2-0 and 8-9.
Group A or B Plastics

Idle Pallet Storage Refer to NFPA 13. Refer to FM 2-0, 8-9, and 8-24.

Rubber Tire Storage Refer to NFPA 13. Refer to FM 2-0 and 8-3.

Rolled Paper Storage (Refer to the standard.) Refer to NFPA 13. Refer to FM 8-21.

Flammable Liquid Storage (Refer to the standard.) Refer to NFPA 30. Refer to FM 7-29

Aerosol Storage (Refer to the standard.) Refer to NFPA 30B Refer to FM 7-31

Automotive Components in Portable Racks

Refer to NFPA 13. N/A
(Control mode only, refer to the standard.)

IMPORTANT: Always refer to Bulletin Form No. F_091699 - Care and Handling of Sprinklers. Viking ESFR Pendent Sprinklers
are to be installed in accordance with the latest edition of Viking technical data, the latest standards of NFPA, FM Global,
VdS, LPCB, and any other Authorities Having Jurisdiction, and also with provisions of governmental codes, ordinances, and
standards whenever applicable.

Form No. F_060198 19.05.16 Rev 19.1

 Page 5 of 6

ESFR PENDENT SPRINKLER

TECHNICAL DATA
VK500 (K14.0)

The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058

Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-818-1680 Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page: www.vikinggroupinc.com
4. INSTALLATION
WARNING
Viking sprinklers are manufactured and tested to meet rigid requirements of the approving agency. The sprinklers are
designed to be installed in accordance with recognized installation standards. System design must be based on ESFR
design guidelines described in the latest edition of Viking technical data, applicable FM Global Loss Prevention Data
Sheets, the latest NFPA Standards, the latest standards of (VdS) Schadenverhütung, the Authorities Having Jurisdiction,
and also with the provisions of governmental codes, ordinances, and standards whenever applicable. Deviation from the
standards or any alteration to the sprinkler after it leaves the factory including, but not limited to: painting, plating, coat-
ing, or modification, may render the sprinkler inoperative and will automatically nullify the approval and any guarantee
made by The Viking Corporation.
A. Sprinklers must be handled with care. They must be stored in a cool, dry place in their original shipping container. Never install
sprinklers that have been dropped or damaged in any way. Such sprinklers should be destroyed immediately. NOTE: Wet pipe
systems must be provided with adequate heat.
B. The sprinklers must be installed after the piping is in place to prevent mechanical damage. Before installing, be sure to have the
appropriate sprinkler model and style, with the correct orifice size, temperature rating, and response characteristics.
C. With the sprinkler contained in the plastic protective cap, apply a small amount of pipe-joint compound or tape to the male
threads only, while taking care not to allow a build-up of compound in the sprinkler orifice.
D. Use ONLY sprinkler wrench 10285W/B or 13635W/B (shown in Figure 1) for installing ESFR Sprinkler VK500! With the
sprinkler contained in the protective cap, install the sprinkler onto the piping by applying the sprinkler wrench to the
sprinkler wrench flats only, while taking care not to damage the sprinkler operating parts.
• DO NOT use any other type of wrench, as this could damage the unit.
• DO NOT use the sprinkler deflector or fusible element to start or thread the sprinkler into a fitting.
• DO NOT exceed 50 ft. lbs. of torque (hand tight, plus approximately two full turns with the wrench) to install these sprinklers.
Higher levels of torque may distort the sprinkler inlet with consequent leakage or impairment of the sprinkler.
E. After installation, the entire sprinkler system must be tested. The test must be conducted to comply with the Installation
Standards. Make sure the sprinkler has been properly tightened. If a thread leak occurs, normally the unit must be removed, new
pipe-joint compound or tape applied, and then reinstalled. This is due to the fact that when the joint seal is damaged, the sealing
compound or tape is washed out of the joint. Immediately replace any damaged units, using the special sprinkler wrench only.
F. After installation and testing and repairing of all leaks, remove the protective caps from the sprinklers. DO NOT use
any type of tool to remove the cap. Remove the cap by hand: turn it slightly and pull it off the sprinkler. When removing
caps, use care to prevent dislodging or damaging sprinkler ejector spring and fusible element. THE CAPS MUST BE
REMOVED FROM SPRINKLERS BEFORE PLACING THE SYSTEM IN SERVICE!
G. System design must be based on ESFR design guidelines described in applicable FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheets, the
latest standards of (VdS) Schadenverhütung, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
All requirements of recognized sprinkler system design standards apply to systems utilizing Viking ESFR Pendent Sprinklers.
NOTE: Viking recommends installing one style of sprinklers (either pendent or upright) throughout ESFR systems.
However, provided the fusible elements are installed within the distance below the ceiling allowed by the installation
standards, and when acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, Viking considers the practice of mixing upright
and pendent ESFR sprinklers to be acceptable.

5. OPERATION
During fire conditions, the heat-sensitive fusible element assembly disengages, releasing the seat and spring assemblies to open
the waterway. Water flowing through the sprinkler orifice strikes the sprinkler deflector, forming a uniform spray pattern to suppress
the fire.

Form No. F_060198 19.05.16 Rev 19.1

 Page 6 of 6

ESFR PENDENT SPRINKLER

TECHNICAL DATA
VK500 (K14.0)

The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058

Telephone: 269-945-9501 Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: 269-818-1680 Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page: www.vikinggroupinc.com
6. INSPECTIONS, TESTS AND MAINTENANCE
NOTICE
The owner is responsible for maintaining the fire protection system and devices in proper operating condition. For
minimum maintenance and inspection requirements, refer to the NFPA standard that describes care and maintenance
of sprinkler systems. In addition, the Authorities Having Jurisdiction may have additional maintenance, testing, and
inspection requirements that must be followed.

A. The sprinklers must be inspected on a regular basis for corrosion, mechanical damage, obstructions, paint, etc. The frequency
of inspections may vary due to corrosive atmosphere, water supplies, and activity around the device.
B. Sprinklers that have been painted or mechanically damaged must be replaced immediately. Sprinklers showing signs of cor-
rosion shall be tested and/or replaced immediately as required. Installation standards require sprinklers to be tested and, if
necessary, replaced after a specified term of service. For Viking ESFR Pendent Sprinklers, refer to the Installation Standards (e.g.,
NFPA 25) and the Authorities Having Jurisdiction for the specified period of time after which testing and/or replacement is required.
Sprinklers that have operated cannot be reassembled or reused, but must be replaced. When replacing sprinklers, use only new
sprinklers.
C. The sprinkler discharge pattern is critical for proper fire protection. Therefore, nothing should be hung from, attached to, or
otherwise obstruct the discharge pattern. All obstructions must be immediately removed or, if necessary, additional sprinklers
installed.
D. When replacing existing sprinklers, the system must be removed from service. Refer to the appropriate system description and/
or valve instructions. Prior to removing the system from service, notify all Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Consideration should
be given to employment of a fire patrol in the affected area.
1. Remove the system from service, drain all water, and relieve all pressure on the piping.
2. Using the special sprinkler wrench, remove the old sprinkler and install the new unit. Care must be taken to ensure that the
replacement sprinkler is the proper model and style, with the correct orifice size, temperature rating, and response charac-
teristics. A fully stocked spare sprinkler cabinet should be provided for this purpose.
3. Place the system back in service and secure all valves. Check the replaced sprinklers and repair all leaks.
E. Sprinkler systems that have been subject to a fire must be returned to service as soon as possible. The entire system must
be inspected for damage and repaired or replaced as necessary. Sprinklers that have been exposed to corrosive products of
combustion, but have not operated, should be replaced. Refer to the Authorities Having Jurisdiction for minimum replacement
requirements.

7. AVAILABILITY
The Viking Model VK500 Sprinkler is available through a network of domestic and international distributors. See The Viking
Corporation web site for the closest distributor or contact The Viking Corporation.

8. GUARANTEE
For details of warranty, refer to Viking’s current list price schedule or contact Viking directly.

Form No. F_060198 19.05.16 Rev 19.1 Replaces Form No. F_060198 Rev 18.3
(Removed CE.)