A flame shield is provided which redirects heat and flame away from an undersurface of a housing of electrical equipment, such as a digital cross connect (DSX) panel installed in a rack system in a wiring closet or central office. The flame shield has a conforming shape to a lower surface of the DSX panel. The flame shield includes tabs with mounting holes, which permit the same fasteners used to initially attach the DSX panel to the rails of the rail system to be reused in attaching the flame shield and DSX panel combination to the rails of the rack system. Also, the flame shield includes an extended portion having a v-shaped cross section, which serves to shield wiring entering the DSX panel from heat and flame and also acts as a wiring guide.