By Healthcare Facilities Today

Hastings, Michigan – Viking Corporation, a global leader in fire protection and life safety systems, has added a new dry ESFR pendent to its leading line of storage sprinklers.  The new Model VK504, which has a K factor of 16.8 (242), is offered in addition to Viking’s existing UL Listed and FM Approved K14 dry ESFR (Model VK502).

The new VK504 is intended for freezers and cold storage facilities where a wet-pipe sprinkler system is installed in a conditioned space above the insulated ceiling, often referred to as "box-in-box" construction.  In these applications, Viking's dry ESFR sprinklers enable ceiling-only protection, without the use of in-rack sprinklers and pre-action systems.  By eliminating the need for in-rack sprinklers, the new VK504 allows for greater racking flexibility, better protection from potential damage, and reduced ongoing service and maintenance costs resulting in a significantly more cost-effective fire protection system overall.

Viking pioneered the dry ESFR sprinkler in 2008 with the initial release of its K14 model.  Then, with the introduction of the Model VK502 last year, Viking was the first manufacturer to offer both a UL Listed and FM Approved dry ESFR sprinkler.  The new VK504 now extends Viking's product line to include a 16.8 K factor product option.  The larger K Factor enables lower pressures, which may allow for a lower installed cost by reducing the size of system piping, fire pumps, and other components. 

The VK504 sprinkler is listed to protect the same commodities and storage arrangements as Viking's standard K17 ESFR pendent sprinkler (Model VK503).  The new sprinkler is offered in a standard length of 37-1/2 inches (953 mm) and has a 165°F (74°C) temperature rating.  Additionally, the VK504 is available with either a 1-1/2 inch grooved or threaded connection.

Viking is a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative fire protection and life safety systems.  For over 90 years the company’s products and services have protected lives and property worldwide from the devastating effects of fire.  For more information on Viking’s complete line of quality fire protection products and services, please visit www.vikinggroupinc.com or call 800-968-9501.