Straightforward selection and names make choosing the right Victaulic FireLock™ escutcheon easy
While some manufacturers in the fire protection industry are constantly expanding their selection—and others provide a home base for an overwhelming variety of brand-name products—Victaulic has one of the easiest-to-understand catalogs of fire sprinklers and accessories on the market. In this article, we look at their recessed, flush, and extended escutcheons for their lines of pendent and horizontal sidewall fire sprinklers like the Model V27, the Model V34, and more.
Feel free to browse our selection of Victaulic V27 fire sprinkler escutcheons and our wide selection of compatible generic escutcheon models.
Escutcheons help fire sprinklers activate on time, maintain their spray patterns, and improve the look of walls and ceilings
Blocking the path of water or allowing heat through walls and ceilings can impair a fire sprinkler
Various types of escutcheons are everywhere. Under faucets, behind shower handles, and on doors, these metal plates ornament and protect the parts they pair with. In fire sprinkler systems, escutcheons cover a hole in a wall or ceiling and ensure that the fire sprinkler activates on time.
Automatic fire sprinklers activate in response to rising heat. Without an escutcheon, heat may go around the sprinkler head, allowing the area around the ceiling or wall to remain cooler longer than it should—consequently, causing the sprinkler to discharge later than intended. An escutcheon that’s too deep may also block the path of water flowing from the sprinkler, which can limit the size of the area that the sprinkler protects.
Many fire codes require testing and evaluation for some fire sprinkler escutcheons
To prevent problems like these, many states and cities have adopted model fire codes and standards written by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems provides contractors with instructions for installing safe and fully functional sprinkler systems—including rules for escutcheons.
From the 2019 edition of NFPA 13
7.2.6 Escutcheons and Cover Plates.
7.2.6.1 Plates, escutcheons, or other devices used to cover the annular space around a sprinkler shall be metallic or shall be listed for use around a sprinkler.
7.2.6.2* Escutcheons used with recessed, flush-type, or concealed sprinklers shall be part of a listed sprinkler assembly.
Pendent and horizontal sidewall sprinklers that fully protrude—that is, none of their parts are mounted above the lower plane of the ceiling or behind the wall—may use escutcheons that aren’t part of a listed assembly. But under NFPA 13, three types of fire sprinklers must have listed escutcheons, which means that those escutcheons have been evaluated and tested for compatibility with specific sprinklers (e.g., a Victaulic V2710 horizontal sidewall head):
- Concealed sprinklers (fully covered by a decorative plate)
- Recessed sprinklers (visible, but sunk into a cup in a wall or ceiling)
- Flush sprinklers (partially or wholly recessed with no cover plate)
Victaulic’s selection of escutcheons leaves purchasers with a handful of easy-to-identify choices
As a consequence of these listing requirements, fire sprinkler manufacturers offer their own escutcheons for use with flush, recessed, or concealed fire sprinklers. In the case of Victaulic—a manufacturer now entering its second century in the piping industry—those listed escutcheons are part of the FireLock™ brand.
Some manufacturers have elaborate naming or part-number schemes for their fire sprinklers and accessories. But Victaulic has made it easy for consumers to determine which sprinklers work with a given escutcheon. For example, V27, V29, and V34 are all model names for Victaulic sprinklers. Those model names are also at the start of each sprinkler identification number (SIN)—the unique five-or-six digit code that identifies a particular sprinkler. A sprinkler with a SIN of V2708 may pair with a V27 escutcheon, a V3410 may use a Model V34, and so on.
For Model V29 heads, listed escutcheons can either place the sprinkler further from the ceiling (extended) or even with it (flush). For V27 and V34 heads, listed escutcheons may allow the sprinkler to sit flush or recessed. Victaulic also offers parts—but not entire escutcheons—for Model V36 dry fire sprinklers, which ship with built-in escutcheons.
One final note: each of the escutcheons mentioned so far may be purchased in either brass or stainless steel. However, sprinklers with Victaulic’s nickel polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE) coating—designed for added corrosion resistance—must use stainless steel escutcheons.
Victaulic’s model V27 and V34 sprinklers can use recessed escutcheons with either 1/2” or 3/4” adjustment
Victaulic’s V27 line consists of the three main sprinkler types—pendent, upright, and sidewall—that join with pipes using 1/2” National Pipe Thread (NPT) connections. Beyond that, there’s little similarity between them. A Model V27 may be designed for commercial or residential use, extended coverage, storage, and other specific applications. Likewise, Victaulic’s Model V34 encompasses a wide variety of sprinklers that all have 3/4” NPT connections.
Since April 2019, Victaulic’s fire protection pricing catalog has included four recessed escutcheons for V27 and V34 fire sprinklers:
- V27 recessed (1/2” thread)—1/2” adjustment
- V27 recessed (1/2” thread)—3/4” adjustment
- V34 recessed (3/4” thread)—1/2” adjustment
- V34 recessed (3/4” thread)—3/4” adjustment
There’s a recessed escutcheon for most pendent and horizontal V27 or V34 fire sprinklers. But it’s important to note that the degree of recess has an impact on the sprinkler’s listings. For example, the V3405—a standard-response pendent sprinkler—is UL-listed and FM-approved for a full 3/4” recess. The V3406, its quick-response counterpart, receives those approvals only up to 1/2” of recess. At 3/4” recess, the V3406 is UL-listed, but not FM-approved.
Weather-resistant alternatives are available only for escutcheons with 3/4” of adjustment. Further, the V27’s weather-resistant escutcheon is available in both brass and stainless steel, while the V34’s version is available only in stainless steel.
V27 recessed escutcheons
Fits: V27 pendent and sidewall sprinklers (1/2” and 3/4”)
Hole sizes: Installs in holes from 2” to 2 3/8”
Approvals: See individual sprinkler data sheets
Adjustment: Up to 1/2” or 3/4” depending on model
Dimensions: 2 7/8” outside diameter
Material: Brass or stainless steel
Finishes: White, chrome, black, or custom
Fire sprinklers with the following identification numbers (SINs) are compatible with Victaulic V27 recessed escutcheons:
- V2705
- V2706
- V2707
- V2708
- V2709
- V2710
- V2738
- V2740
- V2744
V34 recessed escutcheons
Fits: V34 pendent and sidewall sprinklers (1/2” and 3/4”)
Hole sizes: Installs in holes from 2” to 2 3/8”
Approvals: See individual sprinkler data sheets
Adjustment: Up to 1/2” or 3/4” recessed, depending on model
Dimensions: 2 7/8” outside diameter
Material: Brass or stainless steel
Finishes: White, chrome, or black, with custom finishes available by special order
Fire sprinklers with the following identification numbers (SINs) are compatible with Victaulic V34 recessed escutcheons:
- V3405
- V3406
- V3409
- V3410
- V3411
- V3412
- V3413
- V3414
- V3415
- V3416
- V3421
- V3426
Pendent and sidewall V27 and V34 models may use Victaulic’s flush escutcheons
When Model V27 and V34 fire sprinklers don’t need to be recessed, installers may use one of Victaulic’s flush escutcheons, including:
- V27 flush escutcheons (1/2” thread)
- V34 flush escutcheons (3/4” thread)
Fits: V27 and V34 pendent and sidewall sprinklers (1/2” and 3/4”)
Escutcheon depth: 1/2” from the ceiling or wall
Approvals: See individual sprinkler data sheets
Dimensions: 2 13/16” outside diameter
Material: Brass or stainless steel
Finishes: White or chrome with custom finishes available by special order
Fire sprinklers with the following identification numbers (SINs) are compatible with Victaulic V27 and V34 flush escutcheons:
- V2705
- V2706
- V2707
- V2708
- V2709
- V2710
- V2738
- V2740
- V2744
- V3405
- V3406
- V3409
- V3410
- V3411
- V3412
- V3413
- V3414
- V3415
- V3416
- V3421
- V3426
Flush pendent V29 heads may use Victaulic’s extended or flush escutcheons
Victaulic offers two escutcheons that appear to be designed for use with a single sprinkler: the V2902. While there are two V29 sprinklers listed in UL’s Product iQ directory—which contains approvals for residential and commercial fire sprinkler heads of various types—only the V2902 is currently listed for sale by Victaulic.
The V2902 is a flush residential fire sprinkler head. Whether it’s installed with a flush escutcheon or an extended escutcheon, parts of the sprinkler remain above the ceiling. Two escutcheons are available for Victaulic’s V2902 (Model V29) residential sprinkler head:
- A flush escutcheon, which minimizes how far the flush head protrudes from the ceiling
- An extended escutcheon, which allows the V29 to protrude further from the ceiling
V29 flush and extended escutcheons
Escutcheon depth: Less than 1/2” (12.7 mm) for flush escutcheon and exactly 5/8” (15.9 mm) with extended
Approvals: See individual sprinkler data sheets
Dimensions: 2 9/16” outside diameter
Material: Brass or stainless steel
Finishes: White or chrome with custom finishes available by special order
Fire sprinklers with the following identification numbers (SINs) are compatible with Victaulic V29 escutcheons:
- V2902
- V2904
Built-in escutcheons are included on V33 and V36 sprinklers, and only escutcheons for V36 models may be replaced
All four of Victaulic’s Model V33 sprinklers—the V3301, V3302, V3303, and the V3304—are dry concealed pendent sprinklers. These sprinklers feature a built-in drop and a built-in escutcheon. The escutcheon is sold only with the sprinklers and not available for individual purchase. You must buy a new sprinkler to replace the escutcheon.
However, escutcheon parts—specifically, the outer rings—are available for another Victaulic dry sprinkler model: the V36. Of the twelve V36 sprinklers currently listed for sale, eight are either pendent or horizontal sidewall and may be used with either recessed, flush, or extended escutcheons:
- V3605
- V3606
- V3607
- V3608
- V3609
- V3610
- V3611
- V3612
V36 skirts
Outside diameter: 3 7/32”
Hole size: 1 3/4” minimum
Material: Mild or stainless steel
Sprinkler placement: A pendent sprinkler’s deflector may protrude as little as 2 1/2” and as much as 4”, while a sidewall deflector protrudes 3” to 4 1/2”
Finishes: Chrome or white
Outer ring for the V36 recessed escutcheon
Outside diameter: 2 15/16”
Hole size: 2” minimum
Material: Mild or stainless steel
Sprinkler placement: Pendent sprinklers’ deflectors protrude as little as 1” or as much as 1 3/4”; sidewall sprinklers protrude as little as 1 5/8” or as much as 2 3/8”
Finishes: Chrome or white
Outer ring for the V36 extended escutcheon
Outside diameter: 3 1/2” at ceiling or wall
Hole size: 1 1/2” minimum
Material: Mild or stainless steel
Sprinkler placement: Pendent sprinklers’ deflectors protrude as little as 3 3/4” or as much as 5”; sidewall deflectors protrude as little as 4” and as much as 5 1/4”
Finishes: Chrome or white
Victaulic’s selection, along with non-branded flush or extended escutcheons, provides consumers with a wide range of options
Victaulic’s selection of escutcheons provides contractors with a robust range of recessed, flush, and extended installation choices. Their selection may feel somewhat limited when compared to other manufacturers’ choices—including escutcheons with greater adjustment in a wider variety of colors—but the ease with which parts can be matched to their corresponding sprinklers is a major benefit of the Victaulic line.
QRFS stocks Victaulic’s V27 escutcheons with the greatest possible adjustment: 3/4”. Other models are available by special order: call us at +1 (888) 361-6662 or email support@qrfs.com. We also carry more than 60 Victaulic fire sprinkler products, including V27 sprinklers, V34 sprinklers, and cover plates for a variety of Victaulic models.
View our selection of Victaulic fire sprinkler heads and accessories.
Many Victaulic sprinklers can also use extended or flush escutcheons with no brand-name or listing, so long as they’re installed in accordance with applicable local fire codes (and, often, NFPA guidelines). QRFS’s catalog includes chrome, white, black, and brass escutcheons for already-installed and new sprinklers in 1/2” and 3/4” sizes.
Browse our full line-up of fire sprinkler escutcheons.
This blog was originally posted at blog.qrfs.com. If this article helped you get to know Victaulic’s escutcheons, check us out at Facebook.com/QuickResponseFireSupply or on Twitter @QuickResponseFS.