Victaulic Company - Experts & Thought Leaders

With the launch of the new Series FL-SR/DRY V3613 and V3615 standard response and Series FL-QR/DRY V3614 and V3616 quick response dry sprinkler range, Victaulic becomes one of the only fire protection solutions providers to offer a CE-marked option for cold storage units. The V36 range comes in pendent or recessed pendent varieties and includes various K-factors and temperature ranges for chiller units up to 6.1 m in height and has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of the EN12259-1 harmonized standard for sprinklers in cold storage. Victaulic’s other innovations When paired with Victaulic’s other innovations, the AB6 bracket and VicFlex™ flexible hoses, the complete solution brings added benefits of easy installation and long-term performance and reliability. Graeme Leonard, EMEA Fire Protection Division Manager at Victaulic, said, "Fire protection in cold storage comes with its specific challenges and risks, like maintaining thermal integrity, ice and frost accumulation and maintainability." He adds, "We’re thrilled to introduce the V36 dry sprinkler range, which not only meets rigorous CE standards, but together with our AB6 bracket and VicFlex hoses solves those specific challenges faced by the food and drink, logistics and pharmaceutical sectors." Quick and low-cost installation Constructability and labor savings are central to the Victaulic design approach. With approximately 60% of fire protection installation costs attributed to labor, Victaulic solutions significantly reduce this burden. A complete Victaulic cold storage assembly – consisting of a dry sprinkler head, AB6 bracket, and VicFlex hose can be installed by one person in just 15 minutes, compared to the two hours and two people required by alternative systems. Furthermore, the flexible VicFlex hoses eliminate the need for made-to-order fixed piping, which makes it quick and easy to make on-site adjustments, if required, with no waste. An additional advantage is that the entire assembly can be ordered with just one single SKU. Reliability through innovation Victaulic’s innovative AB6 bracket, meanwhile, ensures that the seal integrity remains intact. It absorbs vibrations caused by refrigeration or freezer units, or maintenance activity on the chiller unit’s roof that could weaken the seal over time leading to condensation and ice formation that could compromise sprinkler performance. This adjustable bracket is compatible with various wall thicknesses, ceiling heights, and surface types – including corrugated or dimpled surfaces – offering unparalleled flexibility and reliability. Victaulic’s commitment to cold storage fire protection The new V36 sprinkler range complements Victaulic’s already comprehensive range for cold storage. The AB6 assembly with V36 range can be used for freezer cells up to 6.1 m. For freezer cells with a height of 9.1 m, Victaulic offers the AB6 assembly with Series FL-QR/DRY/ST K11.2 V4001 pendent and V4002 recessed pendent quick response dry sprinklers, which aren’t subject to CE marking requirements. In May 2024, Victaulic added the Series FL-QR/DRY/ESFR K16.8 V4102 dry sprinkler, with AB6 assembly, for larger storage units up to 12.2 m. There is no mandatory CE requirement for dry sprinklers of this K-factor, but they are voluntarily CE-marked under an EOTA (European Organization for Technical Assessment) protocol. Series FL-SR/ST/CMSA Storage The Series FL-SR/ST/CMSA Storage, Standard Response CMSA Upright Sprinklers K25.2 V4603, which falls outside the scope of the CE marking standard, brings the range to completion and is suitable for cold storage units with a height of 13.7 m. This reflects Victaulic’s proactive role in meeting evolving industry needs as cold storage facilities are built ever higher to cope with increasing online grocery shopping demands. As an active member of both the Cold Chain Federation in the UK and the Global Cold Chain Alliance, Victaulic continues to support and engage with the cold storage industry’s unique fire protection challenges, providing reliable solutions for every scale of cold storage facility.

Victaulic announces the fire industry’s first Installation-Ready™ sprinkler that is UL-listed and FM-approved with the launch of its FireLock™ IGS Style V9 Sprinkler Coupling and line of FireLock™ IGS grooved sprinklers. Design and installation  Created to replace threads on both sprinkler outlets and sprinklers, this mechanical connection redefines sprinkler system design and installation in exposed applications, particularly the storage and warehouse market. The innovative coupling has one-bolt, is captured onto sprinklers with a connection size of ½-inch, ¾-inch, or 1-inch, and transitions to 1-inch allowing for the standardization of 1-inch IGS outlets. Installation-Ready sprinkler technology Victaulic already has a unique portfolio of products and services that offer value and versatility" “The storage, warehouse, and distribution center market has undergone significant growth and transformation, creating a need for fire suppressions that are both easily installed and reconfigured,” said Daniel Wake, Victaulic Product Manager. “Victaulic already has a unique portfolio of products and services that offer value and versatility from the street to the sprinkler head, and the Installation-Ready sprinkler technology just compounds the advantages of using Victaulic." Advantage of the new technology  "Working in the industry from the ground up for almost 20 years, this is the most exciting product development process I’ve been fortunate to take part in.” The sprinkler and coupling arrive on-site pre-assembled, with no loose parts and require no preparation before installation, also known as Installation-Ready™ technology that Victaulic introduced to the industry in 2005. The biggest time-saver and labor-management advantage seen with introducing Installation-Ready™ technology to sprinkler installation is the elimination of sprinkler prep work and the associated consumables (tape and dope). By eliminating taping and doping on the ground, all fitters can be utilized in the air hanging and installing system components. Simple installation  Utilizing a mechanical connection with one bolt allows the fitter to use a power tool to save both wear and tear Another advantage of the Victaulic Installation-Ready™ sprinkler coupling is that it does not require complicated training or tools, engineering confidence into every build. Utilizing visual confirmation of one bolt-pad for proper installation instead of using a torque wrench makes installation simple and gives users peace of mind. Currently, fitters must install a sprinkler using a sprinkler wrench that is physically demanding to the fitter due to strenuous repetitive motion and potentially damaging to the sprinkler frame due to applied torque. Now utilizing a mechanical connection with one bolt allows the fitter to use a power tool to save both wear and tear on their body, and avoid applying torque directly to the sprinkler frame. Saves times and costs  Reducing torque applied to the sprinkler frame and replacing the frictional connection with a mechanical one, in turn, reduces the likelihood of leaks when the system is pressurized. Rework due to leaks can add an average of one day per system, a costly necessity until now. “We’re committed to offering our customers simplified solutions that save both time and costs, while increasing system confidence,” said Wake. “With the advent of the Installation-Ready sprinkler, our customers now have access to the easiest and safest installation method improving both their productivity and work environment.”

Victaulic, the world’s pioneering manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining, fire protection, and flow control solutions, has purchased a 220,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Lawrenceville, PA, and celebrated with a grand reopening. Victaulic’s Lawrenceville facility has added nearly 60 new jobs to Tioga County and anticipates adding approximately 40 more shortly. It is expected many of the new positions will be filled by local talent from the area’s skilled workforce. New hires will join the current Victaulic team of more than 1,600 Pennsylvania employees and approximately 4,500 people globally. Sustainable manufacturing practices “Victaulic is excited to expand its Pennsylvania footprint and bring back to life the Lawrenceville foundry to support the growth of our customers,” remarked Rick Bucher, President, and CEO of Victaulic. Victaulic aims to reuse the facility for the betterment of this community" “We appreciate the cooperation between state and local agencies as part of the site selection process, and we are very happy to be part of the Tioga community. Victaulic aims to be a good neighbor in every community where our employees work and live. We are especially proud to further our sustainable manufacturing practices and reuse this facility for the betterment of this community.” Scalable facility  The Lawrenceville foundry will provide the scale and capacity necessary to continue Victaulic’s growth plans as business demands increase. Most importantly, it will allow Victaulic to service its valued North American customers as a major aspect of the business strategy has always been to manufacture products near its customers. The facility, including two foundry molding lines, will also enable Victaulic to produce larger-scale products.