1. What is the K-Factor?

The K-factor is a constant that relates the flow rate of a sprinkler head to the square root of the pressure at which the water is being supplied. It is a characteristic of each sprinkler head design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the K-factor formula:

Where:

• \( K \) — K-factor (gpm/psi^0.5)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gpm)
• \( P \) — Pressure (psi)

Explanation: The K-factor represents the flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) that will discharge from a sprinkler at a pressure of 1 psi.

3. Importance of K-Factor Calculation

Details: Knowing the K-factor is essential for designing fire protection systems, ensuring proper water distribution, and meeting regulatory requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) and pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical K-factor values?
A: Common K-factors range from 1.4 to 25.2 gpm/psi^0.5, with 5.6 being standard for most residential sprinklers.

Q2: How does K-factor affect sprinkler performance?
A: Higher K-factors mean more water flow at the same pressure. The K-factor determines the sprinkler's orifice size and spray pattern.

Q3: Can K-factor vary for the same sprinkler model?
A: No, each sprinkler model has a fixed K-factor that is determined during manufacturing and testing.

Q4: Why is the square root of pressure used?
A: The relationship between flow and pressure in sprinklers follows Bernoulli's principle, where flow is proportional to the square root of pressure.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is theoretically accurate for ideal conditions. Actual performance may vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances and installation factors.