Temporary Protective Device for Fire Protection Sprinklers

Temporary devices and methods for providing a protected installed fire protection sprinkler assembly in an area, building, occupancy or worksite under construction and/or renovation. A protective device is embodied as a cap to house and protect the installed sprinkler assembly within an internal chamber. The protective cap includes a receiver end that forms a gription surface engagement with a peripheral surface of the sprinkler assembly. The cap provides an aerosol shield having peripheral shielded openings sufficient for heated gas to enter the internal chamber to thermally actuate the housed sprinkler assembly in the event of a fire; and yet limit the flow of aerosol paint spray and other debris into the chamber during construction or renovation activities that could damage or adversely impact sprinkler performance. The protective cap is displaced from the sprinkler assembly upon sprinkler actuation to permit the sprinkler to operate and distribute firefighting fluid without interference.