Abstract: Herein presented is a device for facilitating the installation of protective cages for smoke and heat detectors and other electrical equipment. The device includes a slotted mounting plate. The plate has a centered hole whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the detector's ceiling base hole. The plate also has a slot which extends from the perimeter of this hole to one edge of the plate. The plate can be placed between the ceiling and the mounting base of the detector without removing the wires connecting the detector. The detector hangs suspended from the ceiling by the wires while the wires are passed through the slot of the plate. The detector is reattached to the ceiling and the plate is secured between the ceiling and the mounting base of the detector. A protective cage cover is then attached to the slotted plate.