Viking MICROFAST VK326 Instruction manual

MICROFAST®QUICK
RESPONSE FUSIBLE
ELEMENT UPRIGHT
SPRINKLER VK326 (K2.8)
TECHNICAL DATA
Page 1 of 4
Form No. F_063014 21.03.05 Rev 21.1
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page.
1. DESCRIPTION
The Viking Microfast®Quick Response Upright Fusible Element
Sprinkler VK326 is a small, thermosensitive, solder link spray sprinkler
available in several different finishes and temperature ratings to meet
design requirements. The special Polyester and Electroless Nickel PTFE
(ENT) coatings can be used in decorative applications where colors are
desired. In addition, the ENT coating has been investigated for installation
in corrosive environments and is listed/approved as indicated in the Approval
Chart(s).
2. LISTINGS AND APPROVALS
cULus Listed: Category VNIV
FM Approved: Classes 2002 and 2020
Refer to the Approval Chart(s) and Design Criteria for Listing and Approval re-
quirements that must be followed.
3. TECHNICAL DATA
Specications:
Minimum Operating Pressure: 7 psi (0.5 bar)
Maximum Working Pressure: 175 psi (12 bar) wwp.
Factory tested hydrostatically to 500 psi (34.5 bar)
Testing: U.S.A. Patent No. 4,831,870
Thread size: 1/2” NPT, 15 mm BSPT
Nominal K-Factor: 2.8 U.S. (40 metric**)
Overall Length: 2-1/4” (58 mm)
Material Standards:
Frame Casting: Brass UNS-C84400 or QM Brass
Deflector: Brass UNS-C23000 or Copper UNS-C19500
Bushing: Brass UNS-C36000
Fusible Element Assembly: Nickel Alloy
Trigger and Support: Stainless Steel UNS-S31600
Belleville Spring Sealing Assembly: Nickel Alloy, coated on both sides with PTFE Tape
Seat and Insert Assembly: Copper UNS-C11000 and Stainless Steel UNS-S30400
Screw: Brass UNS-C36000
For Polyester Coated Sprinklers: Belleville Spring-Exposed
For ENT Coated Sprinklers: Belleville Spring-Exposed, Screw-ENT Plated, Pip Cap-ENT Coated
Ordering Information: (Also refer to the current Viking price list.)
Order Viking Microfast®Quick Response Fusible Element Upright Sprinkler VK326 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, Chrome = F, White Polyester = M-/W, Black Polyester = M-/B, and ENT = JN
Temperature Suffix: 165 °F (74 °C) = C, 205 °F (96 °C) = E, and 280 °F (138 °C)
For example, sprinkler VK326 with a 1/2” NPT thread, Brass finish and a 165 °F (74 °C) temperature rating = Part No. 13956AB
Available Finishes And Temperature Ratings: Refer to Table 1.
Accessories: (Also refer to the Viking website.)
Sprinkler Wrench: Standard Wrench: Part No. 21475M/B; see Figure 1.
Sprinkler Cabinets:
A. Six-head capacity: Part No. 01724A (available since 1971)
B. Twelve-head capacity: Part No. 01725A (available since 1971)
4. INSTALLATION
Refer to appropriate NFPA Installation Standards.
Replaces Form No. F_063014 Rev 20.1
(Removed bushed part numbers)

MICROFAST®QUICK
RESPONSE FUSIBLE
ELEMENT UPRIGHT
SPRINKLER VK326 (K2.8)
TECHNICAL DATA
Page 2 of 4
Form No. F_063014 21.03.05 Rev 21.1
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page.
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 extinguish
or control the fire.
6. INSPECTIONS, TESTS AND MAINTENANCE
Refer to NFPA 25 for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance requirements.
7. AVAILABILITY
The Viking Microfast®Quick Response Upright Fusible Element Sprinkler VK326 is available through a network of domestic and interna-
tional 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.
TABLE 1: AVAILABLE SPRINKLER TEMPERATURE RATINGS AND FINISHES
Sprinkler Temperature
Classification
Sprinkler Nominal
Temperature Rating1
Maximum Ambient
Ceiling Temperature2
Frame Paint
Color
Ordinary 165 °F (74 °C) 100 °F (38 °C) None
Intermediate 205 °F (96 °C) 150 °F (65 °C) White
High 280 °F (138 °C) 225 °F (107 °C) Blue
Sprinkler Finishes: Brass, Chrome, White Polyester5, Black Polyester5, and ENT3,4
Corrosion Resistant Sprinkler Coatings: ENT3,4
Footnotes
1The sprinkler temperature rating is stamped on the deflector.
2Based 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.
3The corrosion resistant coatings have passed the standard corrosion test required by the approving agencies indicated in the Approval Chart(s).
These tests cannot and do not represent all possible corrosive environments. Prior to installation, verify through the end-user that the coatings are
compatible with or suitable for the proposed environment. Note that the spring is exposed on sprinklers with ENT coatings. For ENT coated automatic
sprinklers, the waterway is coated.
4cULus Listed as corrosion resistant.
5For automatic sprinklers, the coatings indicated are applied to the exposed exterior surfaces only. Note that the spring is exposed on sprinklers with
Polyester coatings.
Figure 1: Sprinkler Wrench

MICROFAST®QUICK
RESPONSE FUSIBLE
ELEMENT UPRIGHT
SPRINKLER VK326 (K2.8)
TECHNICAL DATA
Page 3 of 4
Form No. F_063014 21.03.05 Rev 21.1
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page.
Approval Chart 1 (UL)
Microfast® Quick Response Fusible Element
Upright Sprinkler VK326
Maximum 175 PSI (12 bar) WWP
Base Part
Number1SIN Thread Size Nominal K-Factor Overall Length Listings and Approvals3
NPT BSPT U.S. metric2Inches mm cULus VdS LPCB
20983 VK326 1/2” 15 mm 2.8 40 2-1/4 58 A1, A2 -- -- --
Approved Temperature Ratings
A - 165 °F (74 °C), 205 °F (96 °C), 280 °F (138 °C)
Approved Finishes
1 - Brass, Chrome, White Polyester5, and Black Polyester5
2 - ENT6
Footnotes
1 Base part number is shown. For complete part number, refer to Viking’s current price schedule.
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 table shows the listings and approvals available at the time of printing. Check with the manufacturer for any additional approvals.
4Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for us in the U.S. and Canada
5Other colors are available on request with the same Listings and Approvals as the standard colors.
6cULus Listed as corrosion resistant.
DESIGN CRITERIA - UL
(Also refer to Approval Chart 1 above.)
cULus Listing Requirements:
Quick Response Fusible Element Upright Sprinkler VK326 is cULus Listed as indicated in the Approval Chart for installation in accordance with the
latest edition of NFPA 13 for standard spray sprinklers.
• Small orifice sprinklers are limited to Light Hazard where allowed by the installation standards being applied, with hydraulically calculated wet
systems only.
• Protection areas and maximum spacing shall be in accordance with the tables provided in NFPA 13. Maximum spacing allowed is 15 ft. (4.6 m).
• Minimum spacing allowed is 6 ft. (1.8 m) unless baffles are installed in accordance with NFPA 13.
• Minimum distance from walls is 4 in. (102 mm).
• Maximum distance from walls shall be no more than one-half of the allowable distance between sprinklers. The distance shall be measured per-
pendicular to the wall.
• The sprinkler installation rules contained in NFPA 13 for standard spray upright sprinklers must be followed.
IMPORTANT: Always refer to Bulletin Form No. F_091699 - Care and Handling of Sprinklers. Also refer to Bulletin Form No.
F_080614 for general care, installation, and maintenance information. Viking sprinklers are to be installed in accordance with
the latest edition of Viking technical data, the appropriate standards of NFPA, FM Global, LPCB, APSAD, VdS or other similar
organizations, and also with the provisions of governmental codes, ordinances, and standards, whenever applicable.

MICROFAST®QUICK
RESPONSE FUSIBLE
ELEMENT UPRIGHT
SPRINKLER VK326 (K2.8)
TECHNICAL DATA
Page 4 of 4
Form No. F_063014 21.03.05 Rev 21.1
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page.
DESIGN CRITERIA - FM
(Also refer to Approval Chart 2 above.)
FM Approval Requirements:
The Microfast®Quick Response Fusible Element Upright Sprinkler VK326 is FM Approved as a quick response Non-Storage upright sprinkler as indi-
cated in the FM Approval Guide. For specific application and installation requirements, reference the latest applicable FM Loss Prevention Data Sheets
(including Data Sheet 2-0). FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheets contain guidelines relating to, but not limited to: minimum water supply require-
ments, hydraulic design, ceiling slope and obstructions, minimum and maximum allowable spacing, and deflector distance below the ceiling.
NOTE: The FM installation guidelines may differ from cULus and/or NFPA criteria.
IMPORTANT: Always refer to Bulletin Form No. F_091699 - Care and Handling of Sprinklers. Also refer to Bulletin Form No.
F_080614 for general care, installation, and maintenance information. Viking sprinklers are to be installed in accordance with
the latest edition of Viking technical data, the appropriate standards of NFPA, FM Global, LPCB, APSAD, VdS or other similar
organizations, and also with the provisions of governmental codes, ordinances, and standards, whenever applicable.
Approval Chart 2 (FM)
Microfast® Quick Response Fusible Element
Upright Sprinkler VK326
Maximum 175 PSI (12 bar) WWP
Base Part
Number1SIN Thread Size Nominal K-Factor Overall Length FM Approvals3
(Refer also to Design Criteria below.)
NPT BSPT U.S. metric2Inches mm
20983 VK326 1/2” 15 mm 2.8 40 2-1/4 58 A1
Approved Temperature Ratings
A - 165 °F (74 °C), 205 °F (96 °C), and 280 °F (138 °C)
Approved Finishes
1 - Brass, Chrome, and ENT
Footnotes
1 Base part number is shown. For complete part number, refer to Viking’s current price schedule.
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 table shows the FM Approvals available at the time of printing. Check with the manufacturer for any additional approvals.
Replaces Form No. F_063014 Rev 20.1
(Removed bushed part numbers)

BULLETIN
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
CARE AND HANDLING
OF SPRINKLERS
Page 1 of 4
Form No. F_091699 18.10.11 Rev 16.1.P65
SPRINKLERS ARE FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE!
General Handling and Storage:
• Store sprinklers in a cool, dry place.
• Protect sprinklers during storage, transport, handling, and after installation.
• Use the original shipping containers. DO NOT place sprinklers loose in boxes, bins,
or buckets.
• Keep sprinklers separated at all times. DO NOT allow metal parts to contact sprinkler
operating elements.
For Pre-Assembled Drops:
• Protect sprinklers during handling and after installation.
• For recessed assemblies, use the protective sprinkler cap (Viking Part Number 10364).
Sprinklers with Protective Shields or Caps:
• DO NOT remove shields or caps until after sprinkler installation and there no longer is
potential for mechanical damage to the sprinkler operating elements.
• Sprinkler shields or caps MUST be removed BEFORE placing the system in
service!
• Remove the sprinkler shield by carefully pulling it apart where it is snapped together.
• Remove the cap by turning it slightly and pulling it off the sprinkler.
Sprinkler Installation:
• DO NOT use the sprinkler deflector or operating element to start or thread the sprinkler
into a fitting.
• Use only the designated sprinkler head wrench! Refer to the current sprinkler tech-
nical data page to determine the correct wrench for the model of sprinkler used.
• DO NOT install sprinklers onto piping at the floor level.
• Install sprinklers after the piping is in place to prevent mechanical damage.
• DO NOT allow impacts such as hammer blows directly to sprinklers or to fittings, pipe,
or couplings in close proximity to sprinklers. Sprinklers can be damaged from direct or
indirect impacts.
• DO NOT attempt to remove drywall, paint, etc., from sprinklers.
• Take care not to over-tighten the sprinkler and/or damage its operating parts!
Maximum Torque:
1/2” NPT: 14 ft-lbs. (19.0 N-m)
3/4” NPT: 20 ft-lbs. (27.1 N-m)
1” NPT: 30 ft-lbs. (40.7 N-m)
WARNING
Any sprinkler with a loss of liquid from the glass bulb or damage to the fusible element should be destroyed. Never install sprinklers
that have been dropped, damaged, or exposed to temperatures exceeding the maximum ambient temperature allowed. Sprinklers that
have been painted in the field must be replaced per NFPA 13. Protect sprinklers from paint and paint overspray in accordance with
the installation standards. Do not clean sprinklers with soap and water, ammonia, or any other cleaning fluid. Do not use adhesives
or solvents on sprinklers or their operating elements.
Refer to the appropriate technical data page and NFPA standards for complete care, handling, installation, and maintenance
instructions. For additional product and system information Viking data pages and installation instructions are available on
the Viking Web site at www.vikinggroupinc.com.
CORRECT
(Original container used)
INCORRECT
(Placed loose in box)
CORRECT
(Protected with caps)
INCORRECT
(Protective caps not used)
CORRECT
(Piping is in place at the
ceiling)
INCORRECT
(Sprinkler at floor level)
CORRECT
(Special installation
wrenches)
INCORRECT
(Designated wrench not
used)

Replaces Form No. F_091699 Rev 16.1
(Added P65 Warning)

BULLETIN
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
CARE AND HANDLING
OF SPRINKLERS
Page 2 of 4
Form No. F_091699 18.10.11 Rev 16.1.P65
PROTECTIVE SPRINKLER SHIELDS AND CAPS
General Handling and Storage:
Many Viking sprinklers are available with a plastic protective cap or shield temporarily covering the operating elements. The snap-
on shields and caps are factory installed and are intended to help protect the operating elements from mechanical damage during
shipping, storage, and installation. NOTE: It is still necessary to follow the care and handling instructions on the appropriate sprin-
kler technical data sheets* when installing sprinklers with bulb shields or caps.
WHEN TO REMOVE THE SHIELDS AND CAPS:
NOTE: SHIELDS AND CAPS MUST BE REMOVED FROM SPRINKLERS BEFORE PLACING THE SYSTEM IN SERVICE!
Remove the shield or cap from the sprinkler only after checking all of the following:
• The sprinkler has been installed*.
• The wall or ceiling finish work is completed where the sprinkler is installed and there no longer is a potential for mechanical damage
to the sprinkler operating elements.
SHIELDS AND CAPS MUST BE REMOVED FROM SPRINKLERS BEFORE PLACING THE SYSTEM IN SERVICE!
Figure 1: Sprinkler shield being
removed from a pendent sprinkler.
Figure 2: Sprinkler cap being
removed from a pendent sprinkler.
Figure 3: Sprinkler cap being re-
moved from and upright sprinkler.
HOW TO REMOVE SHIELDS AND CAPS:
No tools are necessary to remove the shields or caps from sprinklers. DO NOT use any sharp objects to remove them! Take care
not to cause mechanical damage to sprinklers when removing the shields or caps. When removing caps from fusible ele-
ment sprinklers, use care to prevent dislodging ejector springs or damaging fusible elements. NOTE: Squeezing the sprinkler cap
excessively could damage sprinkler fusible elements.
• To remove the shield, simply pull the ends of the shield apart where it is snapped together. Refer to Figure 1.
• To remove the cap, turn it slightly and pull it off the sprinkler. Refer to Figures 2 and 3.
Refer to the current sprinkler technical data page to determine the correct sprinkler wrench for the model of sprinkler used.
Never install sprinklers that have been dropped, damaged, or exposed to temperatures in excess of the maximum ambient
temperature allowed.
* Refer to the appropriate current technical data pages for complete care, handling, and installation instructions. Data
pages are included with each shipment from Viking or Viking distributors. They can also be found on the Web site at www.
vikinggroupinc.com.

BULLETIN
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
CARE AND HANDLING
OF SPRINKLERS
Page 3 of 4
Form No. F_091699 18.10.11 Rev 16.1.P65
GENERAL HANDLING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
• Do not store in temperatures exceeding 100 °F (38 °C). Avoid direct sunlight and confined areas subject to heat.
• Protect sprinklers and cover assemblies during storage, transport, handling, and after installation.
-- Use original shipping containers.
-- Do not place sprinklers or cover assemblies loose in boxes, bins, or buckets.
• Keep the sprinkler bodies covered with the protective sprinkler cap any time the sprinklers are shipped or handled, during testing of the system, and
while ceiling finish work is being completed.
• Use only the designated Viking recessed sprinkler wrench (refer to the appropriate sprinkler data page) to install these sprinklers. NOTE: The protective cap is
temporarily removed during installation and then placed back on the sprinkler for protection until finish work is completed.
• Do not over-tighten the sprinklers into fittings during installation.
• Do not use the sprinkler deflector to start or thread the sprinklers into fittings during installation.
• Do not attempt to remove drywall, paint, etc., from the sprinklers.
• Remove the plastic protective cap from the sprinkler before attaching the cover plate assembly. PROTECTIVE CAPS MUST BE REMOVED FROM
SPRINKLERS BEFORE PLACING THE SYSTEM IN SERVICE!
Refer to the appropriate current technical data pages for complete care, handling, and installation instructions. Data
pages are included with each shipment from Viking or Viking distributors. They can also be found on the Web site at www.
vikinggroupinc.com.
Concealed Sprinkler and Adapter
Assembly with Protective Cap
CAUTION: CONCEALED COVER ASSEMBLIES ARE FRAGILE!
TO ASSURE SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT, HANDLE WITH CARE.
Cover Plate Assembly
(Pendent Cover 12381 shown)
Concealed Sprinkler and Adapter
Assembly (Protective Cap Removed)

BULLETIN
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
CARE AND HANDLING
OF SPRINKLERS
Page 4 of 4
Form No. F_091699 18.10.11 Rev 16.1.P65
USE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS WHEN HANDLING WAX-COATED SPRINKLERS
Many of Viking’s sprinklers are available with factory-applied wax coating for corrosion resistance. These sprinklers MUST receive
appropriate care and handling to avoid damaging the wax coating and to assure satisfactory performance of the product.
General Handling and Storage of Wax-Coated Sprinklers:
• Store the sprinklers in a cool, dry place (in temperatures below the maximum ambient temperature allowed for the sprinkler temperature rating. Refer
to Table 1 below.)
• Store containers of wax-coated sprinklers separate from other sprinklers.
• Protect the sprinklers during storage, transport, handling, and after installation.
• Use original shipping containers.
• Do not place sprinklers in loose boxes, bins, or buckets.
Installation of Wax-Coated Sprinklers:
Use only the special sprinkler head wrench designed for installing wax-coated Viking sprinklers (any other wrench may damage
the unit).
• Take care not to crack the wax coating on the units.
• For touching up the wax coating after installation, wax is available from Viking in bar form. Refer to Table 1 below. The coating MUST be repaired after
sprinkler installation to protect the corrosion-resistant properties of the sprinkler.
• Use care when locating sprinklers near fixtures that can generate heat. Do not install sprinklers where they would be exposed to temperatures exceed-
ing the maximum recommended ambient temperature for the temperature rating used.
• Inspect the coated sprinklers frequently soon after installation to verify the integrity of the corrosion resistant coating. Thereafter, inspect representative
samples of the coated sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 25. Close up visual inspections are necessary to determine whether the sprinklers are being
affected by corrosive conditions.
Never install sprinklers that have been dropped, damaged, or exposed to temperatures in excess of the maximum ambi-
ent temperature allowed.
Refer to the appropriate current technical data pages for complete care, handling, and installation instructions. Data
pages are included with each shipment from Viking or Viking distributors. They can also be found on the Web site at www.
vikinggroupinc.com.
TABLE 1
Sprinkler Temperature Rating
(Fusing Point)
Wax Part
Number Wax Melting Point Maximum Ambient Ceiling Temperature1Wax Color
155 °F (68 °C) / 165 °F (74 °C) 02568A 148 °F (64 °C) 100 °F (38 °C) Light Brown
175 °F (79 °C) 04146A 161 °F (71 °C) 150 °F (65 °C) Brown
200 °F (93 °C) 04146A 161 °F (71 °C) 150 °F (65 °C) Brown
220 °F (104 °C) 02569A 170 °F (76 °C) 150 °F (65 °C) Dark Brown
286 °F (141 °C) 02569A 170 °F (76 °C) 150 °F (65 °C) Dark Brown
1 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.
Replaces Form No. F_091699 Rev 16.1
(Added P65 Warning)

REGULATORY AND HEALTH
WARNINGS
BULLETIN
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Visit the Viking website for the latest edition of this technical data page www.vikinggroupinc.com
Page 1 of 1
Form No. F_111218 18.11.15 Rev 18.1 New Bulletin
1. DESCRIPTION
Regulatory and Health Warnings applying to materials used in the manufacture and construction of fire protection products are
provided herin as they relate to legally mandated jurisdictional regions.
WARNING
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, USA
Installing or servicing fire protection products such as sprinklers, valves, piping etc. can expose you to chemicals including, but not li-
mited to, lead, nickel, butadiene, titaninum dioxide, chromium, carbon black, and acrylonitrile which are known to the State of California
to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
2. WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS
For details of warranty, refer to Viking’s current list price schedule at www.vikinggroupinc.com or contact Viking directly.