#330 – Guide to Viking Fire Sprinkler Escutcheons

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.

Picture of Sprinkler in Drop Seating
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).

To learn what a SIN is and how to find it, read this.

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 headsViking’s “next generation” of fire sprinkler heads.

Diagram of Viking NP-1 Escutcheons
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, features slip-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:

  • VK1021

  • VK2022

  • VK3021

  • VK3522

Picture of QRFS NP-1 Escutcheon
Shop Viking’s 1/2″ NP-1 escutcheons in White and Polished Chrome.

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.

Diagram of the Viking E-1 Escutcheons
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.

  • VK003

  • VK004

  • VK008

  • VK015

  • VK023

  • VK102

  • VK104

  • VK110

  • VK112

  • VK116

  • VK132

  • VK134

  • VK158

  • VK159

  • VK162

  • VK164

  • VK169

  • VK170

  • VK180

  • VK181

  • VK182

  • VK188

  • VK202

  • VK206

  • VK212

  • VK254

  • VK279

  • VK290

  • VK292

  • VK302

  • VK303

  • VK304

  • VK305

  • VK307

  • VK308

  • VK317

  • 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

  • VK360

  • VK631

  • VK910

  • VK4680

  • VK4700

  • VK4840

  • VK4860

Picture of QRFS Viking E-1 Escutcheon
Shop 1/2″ Viking E-1 escutcheons in Black, Polished Chrome, and White on our website.

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-1 escutcheons (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-1 escutcheons (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)
Diagram of Viking E-2 Escutcheon
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:

  • VK102

  • VK104

  • VK106

  • VK110

  • VK118

  • VK122

  • VK202

  • VK302

  • VK305

  • VK306

  • VK310

  • VK317

  • VK319

  • VK329

  • VK331

  • VK333

  • VK342

  • VK344

  • VK352

  • VK430

  • VK460

  • VK466

  • VK468

  • VK470

  • VK472

  • VK479

  • VK484

  • VK486

  • VK600

  • VK601

  • VK605

  • VK609

  • VK610

  • VK611

  • VK612

  • VK613

Picture of QRFS Viking E-2 Escutcheon
Shop Viking’s 1/2” E-2 escutcheon in Polished Chrome and White.

3/4” E-2 escutcheon—part number 20130

The E-2 escutcheon that fits 1/2” NPT sprinklers has part number 20130. 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.

Read more about clearance and seismic design in this blog post.

Diagram of Viking E-3 Escutcheon
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:

  • VK003

  • VK004

  • VK008

  • VK015

  • VK023

  • VK102

  • VK104

  • VK110

  • VK112

  • VK116

  • VK122

  • VK132

  • VK134

  • VK202

  • VK206

  • VK212

  • VK302

  • VK303

  • VK305

  • VK307

  • VK308

  • VK317

  • VK318

  • VK319

  • VK320

  • VK329

  • VK330

  • VK331

  • VK332

  • VK333

  • VK334

  • VK342

  • VK343

  • VK344

  • VK346

  • VK352

  • VK353

  • VK360

  • VK430

  • VK446

  • VK458

  • VK460

  • VK466

  • VK468

  • VK470

  • VK472

  • VK484

  • VK486

  • VK534

  • VK537

  • VK572

  • VK600

  • VK601

  • VK602

  • VK603

  • VK604

  • VK605

  • VK606

  • VK607

  • VK608

  • VK609

  • VK610

  • VK611

  • VK612

  • VK613

  • VK617

  • VK630

  • VK910

  • VK4660

  • VK4680

  • VK4860

Picture of QRFS Viking E-3 Escutcheon
Shop Viking’s 1/2″ E-3 escutcheon in Polished Chrome and White on our website.

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.

Diagram of Viking G-1 Escutcheon
Viking’s G-1 escutcheons make installing sprinkler heads at an angle easy.
  • Outer Cup Depth: 1-1/16” (27 mm)
  • Outer Cup Outside Diameter: 4” (102 mm)
  • Center Adapter Ring Depth: 1-7/16” (37 mm)
  • Adjustment Range: Up to 5/8” (16 mm)
  • Max recess: 1/2”, depending on ceiling slope

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:

  • VK104

  • VK112

  • VK305

  • VK307

  • VK308

  • VK319

  • VK320

  • VK333

  • VK334

  • VK344

  • VK346

  • VK360

  • VK479

  • VK484

  • VK486

  • VK605

  • VK606

  • VK609

  • VK612

  • VK613

  • VK630

  • VK638

  • VK2753

  • VK2773

  • VK2793

  • VK4840

  • VK4860

Picture of QRFS Viking G-1 Escutcheon
Shop Viking’s G-1 escutcheon in Polished Chrome and White.

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)
Picture of QRFS Viking F-1 Escutcheon
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.

For all your sprinkler needs, shop the Viking commercial fire sprinklers, residential fire sprinklers, escutcheons, cover plates, and tools on our website. If you can’t find a component you need—or need it in a different size, material, or finish—contact us at (888) 361-6662 or support@qrfs.com.

We’ll help you get it!

This blog was originally posted at blog.qrfs.com. If this article helped you, check us out at Facebook.com/QuickResponseFireSupply or on Twitter @QuickResponseFS.

6 thoughts on “#330 – Guide to Viking Fire Sprinkler Escutcheons”

    • Dante — 1. We’re not aware of a VK3120; did you mean VK3021? 2. If so, it is a standard spray/coverage sprinkler. Thanks.

      Reply
  1. 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

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply

Leave a Comment