Escutcheons ensure proper timing and spray patterns for Viking sprinkler heads
With 100 years in the fire protection business, Viking manufactures and sells some of the best fire sprinklers on the market. Their pendent, upright, and sidewall fire sprinklers fill a variety of needs, including standard to extended coverage, standard to quick response, and wet, preaction, and dry systems. They have corrosion-resistant models. And Viking offers escutcheons that are specifically designed to work with their sprinkler heads.
The word “escutcheon” came to us by way of Old Norman language from the Latin word “scutum,” which means shield. In the context of fire protection, escutcheons shield and cover gaps where fire sprinklers protrude through holes cut in walls or ceilings. Their purpose is decorative, yes—they come in all sorts of attractive finishes. But escutcheons are also functional.
Fire sprinkler heads activate at a particular temperature. When the gap around a sprinkler is not covered, hot air can rise past the head into the sub-ceiling, delaying activation. Without an escutcheon, some fire sprinklers won’t work properly.
Make sure you have the right escutcheon for your Viking fire sprinkler heads. Escutcheons are not one-size-fits-all—it’s important to match the size and style of a fire sprinkler head to the escutcheon. For example, a ¾” pendent sprinkler can’t use an escutcheon meant for a ½” sprinkler head on a sloped ceiling.
There’s a lot of space behind a drop ceiling. Without an escutcheon, hot air rises through the hole cut in the ceiling panel instead of collecting around the sprinkler head. This can delay the activation of the sprinkler during a fire. Source: Fire Engineering
In this article, we make it easy to get the right Viking escutcheon by explaining the Viking part numbering system. We also provide an escutcheon buying guide that explains which sprinkler heads are compatible with each escutcheon model, including:
If you have a sprinkler identification number (SIN) for a specific Viking sprinkler model and want to search for an escutcheon that will match, press Control-F (Windows) or Command-F (Mac) while on this page. Type in the SIN and scroll up to see which escutcheon matches.
Model, size, finish, and part number—shopping for Viking escutcheons
Shopping for Viking fire sprinklers and escutcheons isn’t too difficult if you understand the part-numbering system. They have numerous escutcheon models, including 6 core models: NP-1, E-1, E-2, E-3, G-1, and F-1.
Each of these models has unique features, including:
Installation methods—either slip-on or threaded.
Fit—recessed, flush, or slanted ceiling.
Range of adjustability.
Material—all models are available in cold-rolled steel, and some are offered in stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
Size—models fit 1/2”, 3/4”, or 3/8” National Pipe Thread (NPT) sprinkler heads.
Ultimately, the easiest way to shop for escutcheons is by 5-digit part number. Viking escutcheons have part numbers unique to their model, material, and size. For instance, the Model E-1 has five unique part numbers, three for each size of the cold-rolled steel variety, and two for each size of the stainless steel variety.
Confused? It gets a little more complicated. Viking escutcheons also come in different color finishes, but this doesn’t change the part number. An alphabetic suffix on the escutcheon part number indicates the color. Available color finishes include:
White (an M/W or AM/W suffix after the part number)
Black (M/B)
Bright Brass (B)
Antique Brass (B/A)
Brushed Brass (B/B)
Polished Chrome (F)
Brushed Chrome (F/B)
Nickel PTFE (JN)
Viking can also manufacture custom colors as needed.
Read on, and we’ll help you match various Viking escutcheon part numbers to their respective sprinklers, the latter of which are identified by their sprinkler identification number (SIN).
If you have a sprinkler identification number (SIN) for a specific Viking sprinkler model and want to search for an escutcheon that will match, press Control-F (Windows) or Command-F (Mac) while on this page. Type in the SIN and scroll up to see which escutcheon matches.
NP-1 escutcheons work with the XT1 line of fire sprinkler heads
Viking’s NP line of escutcheons—models NP-1, NP-2, NP-3, and NP-4—features recessed installation and adjustability. Critically, these NP-model escutcheons are the only escutcheons rated for XT1 fire sprinkler heads—Viking’s “next generation” of fire sprinkler heads.
Designed specifically for Viking’s “next-generation” XT1 fire sprinklers, the NP-1 has slip-on installation, an adjustment range of 5/8” flush to recessed, and is available in cold-rolled steel and stainless steel.
The primary NP model, NP-1, featuresslip-on installation and allows for the deepest recessing (5/8”) of the NP line.
Outer cup depth: 1-1/16” (27 mm)
Outer cup outside diameter: 3-1/16” (78 mm)
Depth of center adapter ring: 11/32” (9 mm) +/- 1/32” (1 mm)
Adjustment range: Flush to 5/8” (16 mm) recessed
Model NP-1 is available in sizes fitting 1/2” and 3/4” NPT Viking sprinklers. For each size, standard cold-rolled steel and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel variants are available. XT1 fire sprinklers come standard with stainless steel deflectors; pair them with a stainless-steel escutcheon to reduce corrosion.
NP-1 escutcheons for 1/2” NPT sprinkler heads—part numbers 22066 and 22076
The cold-rolled steel NP-1 escutcheon in this size has part number 22066, is available in Bright Brass (B), Polished Chrome (F), White (M/W), Black (M/B), and Nickel PTFE (JN).
The stainless-steel NP-1 model escutcheon in the 1/2” size has part number 22076 and is available in Polished Chrome, White, and Nickel PTFE.
These escutcheons with part numbers 22066 or 22076 are appropriate for the following Viking sprinkler heads:
NP-1 escutcheons for 3/4” NPT sprinkler heads—part numbers 22071 and 22077
NP-1 is also available in cold-rolled steel or stainless steel for the 3/4” (NPFT) size sprinkler head. The cold-rolled steel variant in this size has part number 22071. It is available with Bright Brass, Polished Chrome, White, and Black finishes.
The stainless-steel variant in this size has part number 22077. It comes with Polished Chrome, White, and Nickel PTFE finishes.
Both types are appropriate for the following Viking XT1 sprinkler heads:
VK2021
VK3521
Model E-1 is Viking’s most compatible escutcheon
Viking’s most versatile model, the E-1 line of escutcheons pairs with over 100 different Viking sprinkler heads. This recessed escutcheon has slip-on installation, is available in standard cold-rolled steel and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel varieties, and it can fit 1/2”, 3/4”, and 3/8” NPT sprinkler heads.
Viking’s E-1 escutcheons work with over 100 pendent and sidewall sprinkler heads. This model has a 5/8″ adjustment range and is available in cold-rolled steel and stainless steel.
Outer cup depth: 1-1/16” (27 mm)
Outer cup outside diameter: 3-1/16” (78 mm)
Depth of center adapter ring: 11/32” (9 mm) +/- 1/32” (1 mm)
Adjustment range: Flush to 5/8” (16 mm) recessed
E-1 escutcheons for 1/2” NPT sprinklers—part numbers 06419 and 07902
The E-1 escutcheon fitting 1/2” NPT sprinklers comes in cold-rolled steel and stainless steel. Cold-rolled steel E-1 escutcheons in this size (part number 06419) are available with Bright Brass, Polished Chrome, White, and Black finishes. Part number 06419 is suitable for all the following Viking sprinklers.
Stainless steel E-1 escutcheons in this size (part number 07902) are available in Polished Chrome, White, and Nickel PTFE. Because they are made of stainless steel, part number 07902 escutcheons are desirable in corrosive environments for use with the following corrosion-resistant fire sprinkler heads:
VK132
VK339
VK368
In addition, pair this escutcheon with any sprinkler you would use with the cold-rolled steel variant.
E-1 escutcheons for 3/4” NPT sprinklers—part numbers 20369 and 20123
E-1 escutcheons are also available in the 3/4” NPT size in both cold-rolled steel and stainless steel.
The cold-rolled steel E-1escutcheons (part number 20369) come with Bright Brass (AB), Polished Chrome (AF), White (M/W), and Black (AM/B) finishes.
Stainless steel E-1 escutcheons (part number 20123) are ideal for corrosive conditions.
Part numbers 20369 and 20123 are suitable for the following Viking sprinkler heads:
VK132
VK339
VK368
In addition, pair this escutcheon with any sprinkler you would use with the cold-rolled steel variant.
E-1 escutcheons for 3/4” NPT sprinklers—part numbers 20369 and 20123
E-1 escutcheons are also available in the 3/4” NPT size in both cold-rolled steel and stainless steel.
The cold-rolled steel E-1escutcheons (part number 20369) come with Bright Brass (AB), Polished Chrome (AF), White (M/W), and Black (AM/B) finishes.
Stainless steel E-1 escutcheons (part number 20123) are ideal for corrosive conditions.
Part numbers 20369 and 20123 are suitable for the following Viking sprinkler heads:
VK202
VK206
VK324
VK324
VK354
VK360
VK458
VK572
VK602
VK603
VK605
VK617
E-1 escutcheons for 3/8” NPT sprinklers—part number 11123
Model E-1 is the only Viking escutcheon model available for 3/8” NPT sprinklers. This cold-rolled steel escutcheon has part number 11123.
This lack of selection is because 3/8″ sprinklers are rare. In fact, one of the only such heads now mentioned in Viking’s literature is the 3/8″ Micromatic Model M. Today, Viking’s pages for Micromatic Model M sprinklers refer users to documents for the VK606, a horizontal sidewall head compatible with E-1, E-2, E-3, F-1, and G-1 escutcheons. In short: the 11123 escutcheon is, more or less, a legacy item for users with very specific (and possibly discontinued) heads.
The Viking model E-2 escutcheon
While the E-1 is effectively an all-purpose escutcheon, the E-2 escutcheon has a narrower purpose. This thread-on recessed escutcheon comes only in cold-rolled steel and fits in 1/2” and 3/4” NPT fire sprinklers. It is suitable for 49 different Viking sprinkler heads and has the following specifications:
Outer cup depth: 13/16” (21 mm)
Outer cup outside diameter: 3-1/8” (80 mm)
Depth of Center Adapter Ring: 21/32” (17 mm)
Adjustment Range: 27/32” (21 mm) total adjustment, max recess
Max recess: 1/2” (13 mm)
Viking’s E-2 escutcheon is a thread-on model available in cold-rolled steel and Chrome or White finishes.
1/2” E-2 escutcheon—part number 11038
Part number 11038, the E-2 escutcheon which fits 1/2” NPT sprinklers, is available with Polished Chrome, White, and Black finishes. Pair it with the following Viking sprinkler heads:
The E-2 escutcheon that fits 1/2” NPT sprinklershas part number20130. It is available with Polished Chrome, White, and Black finishes. Pair it with the following Viking sprinkler heads:
VK202
VK204
VK206
VK352
VK354
VK360
VK458
VK535
VK537
VK572
VK602
VK603
VK617
Viking’s model E-3 escutcheon is ideal for seismic purposes
NFPA 13:Standard for the Installation of Fire Sprinkler Systems has special requirements for earthquake-prone areas. One of these is that clearance should be left around pipes when they pass through walls or ceilings. When a large space is left around a fire sprinkler head, a large escutcheon typically fills the gap.
Viking’s E-3 escutcheon, a thread-on model with a large 5 1/8” outer diameter, is perfect for this purpose.
Ideal for covering large gaps cut for seismic protection purposes, the E-3 escutcheon from Viking has a large-diameter, threads on, and is available in cold-rolled steel. It is available in Chrome or White.
Depth of Outer Cup Depth: 13/16” (21 mm)
Outer Cup Outside Diameter: 5-1/8” (130 mm)
Center Adapter Ring Depth: 21/32” (17 mm)
Adjustment Range: 27/32” (22 mm) total adjustment
Max recess: 1/2” (13 mm)
The E-3 is available in cold-rolled steel in 1/2” and 3/4” sizes. The 1/2” NPT E-3 escutcheon (part number 18347) works with the following Viking sprinkler heads:
The 3/4” NPT E-3 escutcheon (part number 20135) works with the following Viking sprinkler heads:
VK202
VK206
VK352
VK354
VK360
VK458
VK572
VK602
VK603
VK605
VK617
This part number is also available in White and Polished Chrome.
Viking’s model G-1 works on vaulted and sloped ceilings
To install a fire sprinkler at an angle, such as on a sloped surface or at the peak of a vaulted ceiling, you need an escutcheon that can match the angle. That’s where Viking’s G-1 escutcheon comes in. The G-1 has slip-on installation and is available in Bright Brass, Polished Chrome, White, and Black.
G-1 escutcheons work for ceilings sloped up to 33.7° and fit 1/2” and 3/4” NPT fire sprinkler heads. The 1/2” G-1 escutcheon (part number 14315) is suitable for the following fire sprinkler heads:
3/4″ Model G-1 escutcheons aren’t used all that often—sidewall sprinklers with these large threads are something of a rarity. Here’s a short list of known Viking SINs that are compatible with the 3/4” G-1 escutcheon (part number 20133):
VK360
VK630
VK638
Microfast F-1 escutcheon
The Microfast F-1 escutcheon is a retired model. It is a slip-on escutcheon in cold-rolled steel with a 1/2” NPT size (part number 06911) and Polished Chrome or White finishes. Though it is a discontinued model, it is a widely-compatible model, and you might seek replacements.
Outer Cup Depth: 1-1/16” (26.9 mm)
Outer Cup Outside Diameter: 3-1/16” (77.7 mm)
Center Adapter Ring Depth: 23/32” (18.3 mm)
Adjustment Range: Up to 1/2” (12.7 mm)
Max Recess: 1/4” (6.4 mm)
QRFS stocks Viking’s discontinued F-1 escutcheon in White and Polished Chrome. Get it while supplies last!
This part number is suitable for all the following Viking sprinkler heads:
VK003
VK004
VK008
VK015
VK023
VK102
VK104
VK110
VK112
VK116
VK132
VK134
VK158
VK159
VK162
VK164
VK169
VK170
VK180
VK181
VK182
VK186
VK188
VK202
VK206
VK212
VK254
VK279
VK290
VK292
VK302
VK303
VK304
VK305
VK307
VK308
VK317
VK318
VK318
VK319
VK320
VK329
VK330
VK331
VK332
VK333
VK334
VK342
VK343
VK344
VK346
VK352
VK353
VK360
VK377
VK430
VK432
VK435
VK436
VK438
VK440
VK442
VK446
VK448
VK450
VK452
VK453
VK458
VK460
VK466
VK468
VK470
VK472
VK479
VK484
VK486
VK534
VK536
VK537
VK572
VK600
VK601
VK602
VK603
VK604
VK605
VK606
VK607
VK608
VK609
VK610
VK611
VK612
VK613
VK617
VK630
VK631
VK910
VK4680
VK4700
VK4840
VK4860
Get the right escutcheon for your Viking fire sprinklers
When shopping for fire sprinklers, you have many choices. Viking offers a wide range of fire sprinklers and the escutcheons to match them. If you choose Viking fire sprinklers, you’ll need Viking escutcheons to fill the gaps. Escutcheons are decorative, yes. But they also ensure that a fire sprinkler head activates when it should by preventing heat from rising past it.
The NP-1 line pairs with Viking’s “next-generation” XT1 fire sprinklers. Their model E-1 escutcheons work with the largest number of sprinkler heads—over 100. The odds are that your sprinkler head is among them. The F-1 line of escutcheons is also broadly compatible, but Viking has discontinued it. If you need this model of escutcheon, QRFS can help.
E-2 escutcheons fit a niche range of fire sprinklers. Viking’s E-3 escutcheons are uniquely suited for earthquake-prone areas. Their large diameter makes them great for covering the gaps required to give fire sprinkler heads room to move in seismic events. Finally, the G-1 escutcheon lets you install fire sprinkler heads at an angle to the ceiling or wall—perfect for slanted roofs and vaulted ceilings.
When shopping for escutcheons, be careful to select the correct size, the correct material, and the correct finish. A 1/2” escutcheon won’t work for a 3/4″ sprinkler head, for instance. And a brass escutcheon may clash with a white ceiling.
Thank you for reaching out. We will have someone from our QRFS Customer Support Team contact you, and you can also email them any requests there to get faster service!
Mike — The escutcheon is composed of two pieces. The outer ring can be removed or adjusted. The thread-on part can’t be removed without removing the sprinkler. You should contact a fire protection pro if you need to do the latter. For more specific questions, Viking technical support is also great resource.
I am looking for some 1″ retrofit escutcheons for Viking M4 dry head sidewalls.
Thank you for reaching out. We will have someone from our QRFS Customer Support Team contact you, and you can also email them any requests there to get faster service!
hello, please I need the coverage area of the sprinkler VK3120
Dante — 1. We’re not aware of a VK3120; did you mean VK3021? 2. If so, it is a standard spray/coverage sprinkler. Thanks.
How do I remove a viking e1 escutcheon? I need to replace a ceiling tile but the escutcheon won’t unscrew past the sprinkler head
Mike — The escutcheon is composed of two pieces. The outer ring can be removed or adjusted. The thread-on part can’t be removed without removing the sprinkler. You should contact a fire protection pro if you need to do the latter. For more specific questions, Viking technical support is also great resource.