What is K-Factor for Fire Sprinklers?

AGF’s TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST valves come in a range of k-factors to best meet your needs. But what is k-factor for fire sprinkler systems?

What is K-Factor?

K-factor helps to calculate the discharge rate from fire sprinkler heads. It’s calculated in imperial units for the United States by using the flow in gallons per minute (gpm) and the pressure in PSI. Metric calculations use the flow in liters per minute and pressure in bar.

Essentially, the k-factor is the orifice size needed for a particular flow and pressure. Low k-factors have a smaller diameter and restrict the flow while larger k-factors allow for more flow.

Meyer Fire offers a tool to compare pressure requirements and flow rates for different k-factors.

AGF offers a full range of orifice sizes to accommodate multiple k-factors for our TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST models.

Fractional Size vs K-Factor

The chart below shows the imperial and metric k-factor’s equivalent fractional size.

K-factor conversion chart
*Available on 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, & 2″ size units only **Available on 1-1/2″ and 2″ size units only

Do you have more questions about K-factor? Contact us at 610-240-4900 to speak with a member of our technical staff.

Maintenance Considerations for Dry Sprinkler Systems

As seen in NFSA Tech Notes:

This Special Edition of TechNotes is an annual reissue of the relevant information to winterizing dry pipe sprinkler systems. It was originally written by Mark Hopkins, P.E., Vice President of Engineering for the NFSA and updated by Kevin Hall, P.E., Manager of Engineering Research for the NFSA.

As the temperature continues to drop, it is important to remind building owners and facility maintenance personnel of some important inspection and maintenance tasks necessary to keep their dry pipe systems in good operational condition during the winter months. Building owners and facility maintenance personnel need to recognize that NFPA 25-2020, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, provides a minimum set of requirements. NFPA 25 section 1.2.1 states:

Continue reading Maintenance Considerations for Dry Sprinkler Systems →

Self-Maintaining Auxiliary Drain from AGF

AGF's Model 5450 Self-Maintaining Auxiliary DrainAGF Manufacturing is excited to introduce their COLLECTanDRAIN Model 5450 Self-Maintaining Auxiliary Drain. The Model 5450 is the latest in their line of heated auxiliary drain cabinets and includes all the benefits of the original Model 5400. The new cabinet features the ability to self-maintain the drain level and allow for maintenance to be better regulated.

Continue reading Self-Maintaining Auxiliary Drain from AGF →

AGF Introduces New-and-Improved Universal 3-Way Gauge Valve

AGF Manufacturing has introduced a new-and-improved Universal 3-Way Gauge Valve. AGF’s Model 7600 Universal 3-Way Valve is heavier duty than most gauge valves on the market, has a 300 PSI Rating, and is UL listed. The repositioned and redesigned handle increases flexibility and accessibility on preassembled manifold risers. The Model 7600 is a component on RiserPACK Manifolds and select TESTanDRAIN models. It’s also available as a stand-alone product.

Continue reading AGF Introduces New-and-Improved Universal 3-Way Gauge Valve →

Sprinkler Advocacy and Education

The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) created a program that donates free NFPA 13D sprinkler display kits to fire departments across the country. The kits are used to educate the public on residential fire sprinklers. This article, originally published in Fire Sprinkler Contractor Magazine, covers AGF’s involvement in the program. AGF streamlined the program’s instructions and has donated dozens of risers for the displays.

Continue reading Sprinkler Advocacy and Education →

2020 Viking Virtual Fire Protection Showcase

Members of the fire protection industry usually share important product updates and industry trends at in-person events and tradeshows throughout the year. In 2020, the industry had to get creative to maintain these connections in a virtual format. On June 17, Viking hosted a Virtual Fire Protection Showcase in which a handful of partner companies made presentations on their newest innovations. AGF’s President Jim McHugh was excited to present in his session with Viking SupplyNet’s Adam Owens.

Continue reading 2020 Viking Virtual Fire Protection Showcase →