Viking Model XG Sprinkler Guards and XWU Water Shields are used in conjunction with Viking XT1 style sprinklers where allowed by the approvals. (Refer to the Approval Charts) The guards are hard-wire cages designed to encase the sprinklers and protect them from mechanical damage. They are recommended for areas where sprinklers are installed at a low elevation and/or near a high degree of human or mechanical activity. Water shields protect the sprinkler’s heat-sensing operating element from water spray discharge from sprinklers located at a higher elevation. Viking XT1 style sprinklers with Model XWU or F-1 Water Shields and/or XG Guards are converted to intermediate level/rack storage sprinklers. They may be used in any application where water shielding is required, such as in-rack sprinkler systems, under grating, on pilot sprinklers for deluge systems, and outdoors as a weather shield.