Page 1 of 5

ESFR PENDENT
TECHNICAL DATA SPRINKLER VK506 (K22.4)

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 VK506 in-
corporates the capability to suppress specific high-challenge fires. The addition
of a larger K-Factor allows ESFR performance at lower end-head pressures than
ESFR K14 sprinklers. K22.4 ESFR sprinklers can:
• Eliminate the use of in-rack sprinklers when protecting high-piled storage of
certain specified materials up to 40 ft. (12.2 m) with ceilings up to 45 ft. (13.7
m)*
• Reduce or eliminate the need for a system fire pump.
• Provide flexibility when sizing system piping.
Viking VK506 ESFR Pendent Sprinklers are primarily intended to protect the fol-
lowing types of storage, 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 VK506 Sprinklers provide protection of most common stor-
age materials, including:
• Encapsulated or unencapsulated Class I, II, III, and IV commodities*.
• cULus Listed for protection of cartoned unexpanded plastic commodi- TABLE 1
ties and FM Approved for protection of cartoned and uncartoned unex-
panded plastic commodities*. SPRINKLER GENERAL INFORMATION
• FM Approved for protection of exposed expanded polystyrene and ex- Item Description
posed expanded polyurethane commodities*. Sprinkler Identification
VK506
* Refer the Approval Charts and Commodity Selection and Design Criteria Overview Number (SIN)
for cULus Listing and FM Approval requirements that must be followed.
K-factor, gpm/psi½ (lpm/bar½) 22.4 (320)
In addition, some storage arrangements of rolled paper, flammable liquids,
aerosols, and rubber tires may be protected by Viking ESFR Pendent Thread Size 1” NPT (25 mm)
Sprinkler VK506. Sprinkler Orientation Pendent
2. LISTINGS AND APPROVALS Maximum Working Pressure 175 psi (12 bar)
cULus Listed: Category VNWH r)
Successfully meets new UL 1767 test standard and compli-
ance program for ESFR sprinklers installed in rack storage 
with high clearances to ceiling (20 ft or greater)
FM Approved: Class 2026

NOTE: Other International approval certificates are available upon request.

Refer to the Approval Charts and Commondity Selection and Design Criteria Overview for cULus Listing and FM Approval require-
ments that must be followed.
3. TECHNICAL DATA
Specifications:
Available since 2013.
Minimum Operating Pressure: Refer to NFPA 13 or FM Global Loss Preven-tion Data Sheets.
Maximum Working Pressure: 175 psi (12 bar). Factory tested hydrostatically to 500 psi (34.5 bar).
Thread size: 1” NPT for Sprinkler 18493, 25 mm BSPT for Sprinkler 18494
Nominal K-Factor: 22.4 U.S. (320 metric*)
* Metric K-factor measurement shown is in bar. When pressure is measured in kPa, divide the metric K-factor shown by 10.0.
Overall Length: 3-3/16” (81 mm)
Deflector Diameter: 1-3/4” (44.5 mm)
Covered by one or more of the following patents: US5,829,532; US6,059,044; US6,336,509; US6,502,643; US6,868,917; AU722593; GB2336777
Material Standards:
Frame Casting: Brass UNS-C84400
Deflector: Phosphor Bronze UNS-C51000
Seat: Copper UNS-C11000 and Stainless Steel UNS-S30400
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.

Form No. F_081612 18.10.11 Rev 18.2 Replaces Form No. F_081612 Rev 18.1
(Replaced design criteria tables; added P65 Warning.)
 Page 2 of 5

ESFR PENDENT
TECHNICAL DATA SPRINKLER VK506 (K22.4)

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
Ordering Information: (Also refer to the current Viking price list.)
Order ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK506 by first adding the appropriate suffix for the sprinkler finish and then the appropriate suffix
for the temperature rating to sprinkler base part number.
Finish Suffix: Brass = A
Temperature Suffix: 165 °F (74 °C) = C, 205 °F (96 °C) = E
For example, Sprinkler VK506 with 1” NPT threads, Brass finish, and 165 °F (74 °C) temperature rating = Part No. 18493AC.
Accessories:
Sprinkler Wrench:
Part No. 13635W/B (double-ended wrench - Use Side B. Side A is for use with K14.0 ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK500) Available
since 2006.
Sprinkler Cabinet: Six-head capacity: Part No. 01731A (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 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.

4. INSTALLATION
WARNING
Viking sprinklers are manufactured and tested to meet rigid requirements of the approving agencies. The sprinklers
are designed to be installed in accordance with recognized installation standards or FM Global Loss Prevention Data
Sheets. System design must be based on ESFR design guidelines described in the latest edition of the applicable FM
Global Loss Prevention Data Sheets, the latest NFPA Standards, 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, coating, 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 VK506! 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 remov-
ing caps, use care to prevent dislodging or damaging sprinkler fusible element. THE CAPS MUST BE REMOVED FROM
SPRINKLERS BEFORE PLACING THE SYSTEM IN SERVICE!

Form No. F_081612 18.10.11 Rev 18.2

 Page 3 of 5

ESFR PENDENT
TECHNICAL DATA SPRINKLER VK506 (K22.4)

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

5. OPERATION
During fire conditions, the heat-sensitive fusible element assembly disengages, releasing the seat and belleville spring assembly
to open the waterway. Water flowing through the sprinkler orifice strikes the sprinkler deflector, forming a uniform spray pattern to
suppress the fire.
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 corrosion
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 other-
wise 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 character-
istics. 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 VK506 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_081612 18.10.11 Rev 18.2

 Page 4 of 5

ESFR PENDENT
TECHNICAL DATA SPRINKLER VK506 (K22.4)

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 VK506
Maximum 175 PSI (12 bar) WWP
Nominal K- Listings and Approvals3,4
Base Part Overall Length
SIN Thread Size Factor (Refer also to Design Criteria on page 4.)
Number1
U.S. metric2 Inches mm cULus5
18493 VK506 1” NPT 22.4 320 3-3/16 81 A1
18494 VK506 25 mm BSPT 22.4 320 3-3/16 81 A1
Approved Temperature Ratings Approved Finish
A - 165 °F (74 °C) and 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 listings and approvals available at the time of printing. Other approvals may be in process.
4
Refer to the latest standards of NFPA 13.
5
Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for use in the U.S. and Canada as a Specific Application ESFR Sprinkler (refer to the deflector position re-
quirements on page 4).

Approval Chart 2 (FM)

ESFR Pendent Sprinkler VK506
Maximum 175 PSI (12 bar) WWP

Base Part Nominal K-Factor Overall Length FM Approvals3,4

SIN Thread Size
Number1 U.S. metric 2
Inches mm (Refer also to Design Criteria below.)

18493 VK506 1” NPT 22.4 320 3-3/16 81 A1

18494 VK506 25 mm BSPT 22.4 320 3-3/16 81 A1
Approved Temperature Ratings Approved Finish
A - 165 °F (74 °C) and 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_081612 18.10.11 Rev 18.2

 Page 5 of 5

ESFR PENDENT
TECHNICAL DATA SPRINKLER VK506 (K22.4)

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 VK506 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.

Wrench flat Protective

Sprinkler Dimensions are
Cap approximate. 1-9/16”
(40 mm)
-3/16”
(81 mm)

1-5/8”
(41 mm)

Use Side A for VK506

1-3/4”
(45 mm)
Figure 1: Sprinkler Wrench Figure 2: Sprinkler Dimensions

Form No. F_081612 18.10.11 Rev 18.2 Replaces Form No. F_081612 Rev 18.1
(Replaced design criteria tables; added P65 Warning.)