When a concealed or pendant style fire safety device comprising an extinguishant distribution head such as a sprinkler/mist head is installed in a surface, usually a ceiling or a wall, a hole needs to be provided to allow the distribution head to be installed. This hole is then concealed with a cover or escutcheon plate that is fixed to the fire safety device and left virtually flush to the surface.

An air gap is left between the cover plate and the surface.

This gap must not be plugged by mastic or other material as it would interfere with the operation of the fire sprinkler head.

Such fire safety devices operates as follows. The heat from a fire melts a low melt solder attaching the cover plate. The cover plate falls away exposing a heat sensitive element of the fire safety device to the fire. The heat sensitive element is activated and the distribution head is caused to distribute water, mist, or other fire extinguishing substance.

However, there are a number of problem with a conventional safety device. Once a hole has been cut into a surface the protection afforded by the surface has been compromised in a

number of ways.

If the distribution head does not activate or ceases activation before a fire is extinguished, fire and smoke can easily penetrate the hole and enter the void, spreading unchecked to other areas in the building, aiding the spread of fire.

The open gap around the safety device allows fibres and dust of all types to be drawn into inhabited spaces which causes marks on decorative materials, upholstery and can aggravate and cause medical conditions. Many old building materials have dangerous additives that can degrade to breathable sizes and can cause medical problems. The gaps also provide access for spiders and insects. The hole also degrades the acoustic properties of the surface.

Many converted buildings have existing ceilings left in place in poor condition and false ceilings built below them at varying levels. These ceilings continue to degrade and some larger debris can fall into the void and have the potential to activate the fire safety device if the heads are not protected.

According to the invention there is provided a protective device arranged to fit around a distribution head of a fire safety device fitted through an aperture formed in a surface, the protective device being arranged to protect the head and to seal the aperture.

The protective device will not allow dust build up from above the fire safety device, stops potential damage to the

distribution head from falling debris or contractors and helps to keep a living space/working space free from dust, insects and spiders.

The device may be arranged to fit around a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head and/or the device may be clamped between a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head and the surface.

Preferably, the protective device is fire retardant and/or heat resistant. The protective device will protect the fire safety device distribution head from damage from above it by providing a protective insulation layer against heat or from a fire in an adjacent area that could activate the head unnecessarily to discharge in an unaffected area and put a strain on water or other extinguishant resource.

Preferably, the protective device has acoustic insulating properties. Therefore, the device retains the acoustic properties of the surface penetrated by fire safety device.

In one embodiment the protective device has an air flow orifice arranged to allow the ingress and egress of air to the head.

It is an advantage if the device is removable and refitable.

In particular the device may be fitted to existing installations.

According to another aspect of the invention there is also provided a fire safety device comprising a distribution head attachable to a fire retardant supply pipe wherein the

distribution head is fitted through an aperture formed in a surface together with a protective device as described above.

The fire safety device may also include a cover plate attached to the distribution head by a low melt solder.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the invention ; Figure 1b illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure la fitted around a distribution head; Figure 2a illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 2b illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2a fitted around a distribution head; and Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a protective device according to the invention.

Referring now to Figure la and Figure lb, a protective device 1 is manufactured from a Fire Rated Class O acoustic material. The device is arranged to fit around a distribution head assembly 2 which forms part of a fire safety device 10.

The protective device may have a rubberised material on the underside. The distribution head assembly 2 is connected to a supply pipe 3, and in the embodiment shown the protective device fits around a portion 3a of the supply pipe 3. A second portion 3b of the supply pipe 3 serves to secure the protective device 1, by clamping the device 1 between the

portion 3b and a surface 4 through which the fire safety device 10 is mounted. If an existing pipe configuration is not suitable for holding the protective device 1 in position then a clamp (not shown) may be provided.

The fire safety device 10 also comprises a cover plate 5 which is fitted to cover the distribution head assembly 2, and leaves a narrow gap 6 between the cover plate 5 and the surface 4.

The gap 6 must not be filled otherwise the fire protection device 10 may not operate correctly. The gap 6 can lead to problems due to ingress of undesirable substances, as outlined above. Therefore, the protective device 1, is arranged to seal or protect any gaps between the surface 4 and the distribution head assembly 2 in order to inhibit ingress of fire, smoke, dust particles, soot, insulation fibres, insects, spiders or small debris for example. Such ingress would be encouraged by any through draught caused, for example when a door in a room is opened, if the gaps between the surface 4 and the distribution head assembly 2 are not sealed. In this case the gaps are sealed by the device forming a barrier over the surface due to a snug fir with the pie 3 and against the surface 4.

The protective device 1 is fire retardant and/or heat resistant in order to protect the distribution head assembly 2 from heat, or a fire adjacent the fire safety device, within a loft/wall space.

Furthermore the protective device 1 protects the distribution head assembly 2 from accidental damage, for example by work

in the loft/wall space, or by falling debris.

The protective device 1 has acoustic shielding properties in order to enhance acoustic shielding which will have been compromised by the creation of the aperture in which the fire safety device is mounted.

The protective device 1 is provided with a diagonal cut 7 which allows the protective device to be fitted to an existing fire softy device 10. After the protective device is fitted around the fire safety device 10 and a portion of supply pipe 3a, the cut may be taped together or sealed with bonding sealant. The device 1 is arranged to fit snugly around a pipe or distribution head assembly in order to form a barrier to protect the device 10.

Figures 2a and 2b show another embodiment of the invention, in which an airflow orifice 7 s provided. Such an orifice may be necessary in order to meet a required response time index (RTI) which is a measure of how quickly a firs safety device operates in response to a fire. The inside of the tubular orifice 7 is coated with intumscent material, and the orifice exit/entrance is cover by a fine steel mesh to prevent ingress of contaminants.

Figure 3 illustrates a three dimensional view of a protective device 1, in accordance with the present invention. A hollow portion 9 is arranged to fit around a fire safety device 10.

The device has been shown having a cube like shape. However, it will be understood that other shapes will provided the required functionality equally well.

The protective device is easily installed to new installations and may be retrofit to existing installations.

It is lightweight, easily transported and handled, non-toxic and easily removed and refitted for maintenance. Furthermore, the protective device needs no special tools or fixings required for installation and can be made into any shape to suit the situation.

It will be understood that the embodiments are described above by way of example only, and that modifications may be made without falling outside the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.