Viking VK514 K28 ESFR Pendent Sprinkler for 50 ft Storage

K28 ESFR sprinkler for the tallest storage

The Viking VK514 carries the highest K-factor of the pendent ESFR models in this series, a nominal K28.0 (404 metric). Viking states that it can eliminate in-rack sprinklers for specified high-piled storage up to 43 ft (13.1 m) under ceilings up to 48 ft (14.6 m) under UL, and up to 50 ft (15.2 m) with ceilings up to 55 ft (16.76 m) or 45 ft (13.5 m) with ceilings up to 50 ft (15.2 m) under FM. Like the VK510 it is a Special Sprinkler under NFPA 13 (2022 edition, section 15.2).

It is intended for palletized and solid-pile storage and single-row, double-row and portable open-rack storage without open-top containers or solid shelves. The bulletin gives a minimum aisle width of 6 ft for 43 ft UL or 45 ft FM storage and 8 ft for 50 ft FM storage. UL lists it for cartoned nonexpanded Group A plastics and FM Approves it for cartoned unexpanded plastics.

Technical specifications

Viking points to PATVK.COM for patent information on the VK514.

Selecting the VK514

The very large orifice makes sense where the hydraulic calculation for tall racks would otherwise need high pressure, but each sprinkler flows a large volume, so the water supply and tank size must be sized for it. Because the K28 listings sit at the upper end of the storage heights, confirm that the commodity group and aisle widths match the tables for the standard in force, UL and NFPA or FM Global.

Order code: base part 22894 or 22958, finish A for brass and a temperature suffix. 22894AC gives a 1 in NPT VK514 rated 165 °F. A new wrench, 26519, is shown in the bulletin.

Because the VK514 is listed for wet pipe systems only, it is not a candidate for dry or preaction pipework, and the VK512 dry pendent is the Viking model to review for freezer or unheated areas. The temperature rating should be chosen from the expected ceiling temperature, using the 165 °F (suffix C) rating up to a 100 °F ceiling and the 205 °F (suffix E) rating up to 150 °F, as listed in the table above. When the design relies on the stated removal of in-rack sprinklers, the storage height, ceiling height, aisle width and commodity must all stay within the limits printed in the bulletin for the chosen approval body, so keep the bulletin with the design file.

Other Viking ESFR models

Compare with lower K-factor sprinklers if the storage height is moderate.

What to confirm and how to request a price

Confirm the approval your project requires (UL or FM), thread standard, temperature rating, ceiling construction and the number of heads. The sprinkler must not be modified, painted or coated after leaving the factory, as Viking states this can void the approval. The attached Viking bulletin contains all tables. Send the part number and quantity for a quotation and see our Fire Fighting equipment for related items.