The present disclosure provides pluggable optical modules that are prevented from reaching potentially dangerous temperatures when a fiber optic connector is not present and engaged with the associated module housing. Further, the present disclosure provides fiber optic connectors and/or pluggable optical modules that incorporate a port heat shield external to the associated face plate when the pluggable optical modules and fiber optic connectors are engaged, thereby preventing a user from contacting potentially hot and dangerous metallic surfaces of the module housings, as well as providing access for cooling air flow. The solutions presented herein are equally applicable to fixed optical ports and connectors as well.