What does the term "K-factor" refer to in sprinkler heads?

The term "K-factor" in the context of sprinkler heads refers specifically to a measure of the flow rate through a sprinkler head. In this context, the K-factor is a numerical value that indicates how much water will flow from the sprinkler at a given pressure. It is essentially a coefficient that relates the water pressure to the water flow rate, allowing designers and engineers to calculate the necessary water supply for fire suppression needs.

The K-factor is critical for determining the appropriate sprinkler head for specific applications, influencing factors such as spacing, coverage area, and overall design of the fire protection system. Higher K-factors indicate a larger flow rate for a given pressure, which is essential when evaluating the effectiveness of a sprinkler in controlling or extinguishing a fire. Understanding the K-factor is vital for ensuring that fire sprinkler systems are adequately designed to provide the necessary water to suppress fires effectively.