What is the standard size of a wall plate?
These are sometimes called jumbo or extra large wall plate covers, too. On the single toggle switch plate pictured here, the standard size is 2-3/4" x 4-1/2", and the oversized plate is 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".
What is the difference between medium and standard wall plates?
Then there are medium wall plates, which are slightly larger by three-eighths of an inch on all sides. They can be helpful where a subtle cover is still desirable, but the larger cover is needed to cover up imperfections that would be visible with a standard size cover.
What are the different types of wall plate covers?
In terms of switches, you can find covers that will match a range of dimmer styles, traditional toggle switches, Decora switches, and switch/outlet combos. While in the past most outlets could be covered with the traditional two port wall plate, now there are covers that pair with data ports, 220V outlets, phone ports, and cable ports.
How many switch plates do I Need?
Commercial buildings often include switch plates with five or more gangs. If you have an electrical box with more than one type of switch, outlet or wall jack, you need a combination wall plate. For example, one common combination wall plate includes openings for a duplex outlet and a single light switch.
What size do wall plates come in?
Wall Plate Sizes Single-gang plates come in three basic sizes: Standard: 4.5 inches high by 2.75 inches wide. Midsize: 4.88 inches high by 3.13 inches wide. Jumbo: 5.25 inches high by 3.5 inches wide.
What is the difference between standard and midsize wall plates?
The Mid-Size wallplates are wider and taller by ¼ in. Perfect for hiding drywall imperfections around electrical devices. We offer three sizes of wall plates: Standard, Oversize and Mid-size.
How big is an oversized wall plate?
Choose from midway or oversized wallplates that are 5" (tall plates) 5.06" (midway covers), 5.5" (oversized) 6.38" (jumbo oversized), or 7.5" (ultra oversized) tall in a variety of configurations.
Are wall plates interchangeable?
You may assume that one size fits all when it comes to wall plates, but that simply isn't true. Though it's true that switch covers are interchangeable, there's more to selecting the right cover than simply matching up the switch or outlet type and selecting the right gang width.
How do I choose a wall plate?
How-To Guide for Selecting the Correct Light Switch CoversDevice Descriptions. ... Plate Orientation Pay attention to the orientation of decorative combination plates that have different device openings. ... Color and Finish. ... Decorating On A Budget. ... Oversized Switchplates May Be Required.
What are blank wall plates for?
Blank wall plates have no holes at all, and are used to conceal wires for future devices. They may also be used to cover old, inoperative outlets or switches. If a new receptacle or switch is added, the blank plate is removed and replaced by an appropriate wall plate.
Do they make larger outlet covers?
Exclusive ultra big oversized metal single gang duplex outlet switch plates for covering electrical 2 sockets is over 6 inches tall and is available in a choice of finishes.
Do they make different size outlet covers?
There are three common wall plate sizes: standard, midsize/midway and jumbo. When selecting a size, the plate should completely cover the electrical box opening. If the opening is oversized, you may need a jumbo plate to conceal it.
Should outlet covers match wall or trim?
Architectural Digest suggests painting outlet covers the same color and finish as the trim in a room for a subtle, textural effect. Keep in mind that if you choose not to paint the covers, the outlet itself and the cover should be the same color.
Do metal wall plates need to be grounded?
Yes, metal faceplates for receptacles and switches must be grounded. Section 406.5(B) requires that metal faceplates for receptacles must be connected to the circuit equipment grounding conductor.
What are outlet plates called?
Wall plates are integral to all types of electrical outlets, wall jacks and light switches. You'll need wall plates to protect your fingers from internal wiring. Also called switch plates, these products come in a variety of colors, finishes and configurations.
Is a wall plate necessary?
In fact, you might wonder if they're necessary at all. The truth is, those wall plates are much more important than their size and simplicity might imply. Yes, wall plates are essential for your home.
What are the different types of wall plates?
Single, Gang & Combination Plates. Wall plates have many different configurations. ... Single Plates. Some switch, outlet and wall jack designs eliminate the need for a separate wall plate. ... Duplex Outlet Plate. ... Single Outlet Plate. ... Toggle Light Plate. ... Decorator/Rocker Plate. ... Coax Plate. ... Phone Jack Plate.More items...
Are all light switch plates the same size?
Light Switchplates Size Terms A standard single-gang plate is 2-3/4" wide and houses 1 device. A 2-gang plate is 4-1/2" wide and houses 2 devices. A 3-gang plate houses 3 devices, and so on.
Are light switches standard size?
Most decorative light switch plates that you find today are usually between 84mm – 86mm high or square in the case of a single sized plate and between 145mm – 147mm wide on a Twin Plug Socket.
Should outlet covers match wall or trim?
Architectural Digest suggests painting outlet covers the same color and finish as the trim in a room for a subtle, textural effect. Keep in mind that if you choose not to paint the covers, the outlet itself and the cover should be the same color.
What size is a wall plate?
In fact, there are three common wall plate sizes offered today. This includes the standard wall plate, which is 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches. These utilitarian wall plates are common in functional areas that aren’t decorative in nature, or where a wall plate is needed mostly to fulfill the basic function of a cover.
What are wall plates made of?
Wall plates are now made of nylon, steel, chrome, brass, aluminum, plastic, wood, antimicrobial composites, and natural stone. What’s even more impressive is the array of colors and styles that are available. They are found in almost every color of the rainbow and a wide variety of textures. Some are carved or molded into miniature works of art that can adorn your room with detail that will further elevate your design.
How big are jumbo wall plates?
Finally, there are jumbo wall plates that are 5.25 inches by 3.5 inches. These can extend the blemish-covering capability of wall plates even further, and they can also impart a custom look on your design when combined with appropriate materials.
Do wall plates affect interior design?
When upgrading your interior design, it’s easy to forget the impact that wall plates can have on your overall aesthetic. These unassuming switch plates and outlet covers may blend into the background of everyday life, but they also contribute greatly to your interior décor by imparting touches of flair that can extend and magnify other design elements. Fortunately, the assortment of cover plates on the market today is astounding. There are hundreds of combinations of materials and configurations in the average wall plate catalog.
Do outlet wall plates come in different sizes?
There are three common wall plate sizes: standard, midsize/midway and jumbo. When selecting a size, the plate should completely cover the electrical box opening.
Do you have to turn off power to change outlet cover?
Before making any replacements or grabbing any tools, turn off the power to the outlet. If you’re working on more than one outlet, turn off the power to the house. Locate your circuit breaker and turn off the related breakers. Then, double check that the interior power is off by testing a few lights in the house.
How many switch plate configurations are there?from kyleswitchplates.com
Shop by Size - Click Light Switch Plate Configurations to select from 400+ of switch plate configurations in nearly 20 quality metal finishes.
What Is a Wall Switch/Outlet Cover Plate?from thespruce.com
A wall switch or outlet cover plate is a cover plate used to conceal a wall switch or an electrical outlet.
What is the difference between a duplex and a decora switch plate?from wallplatewarehouse.com
For instance, there a Decora switch outlet cover and a duplex outlet cover. Both covers are different in that, the Decora outlet is used for two receptacles, while the duplex outlet is used for one receptacle. Yet both types of outlets come in three different sizes. Therefore, when selecting the right size for switch outlet cover for your home, ensure to describe the type as well as the correct size. Remember, there are several variations for the outlet covers, so do your research well.
What are the different types of switch plates?from thespruce.com
Wall switches and outlet cover plates cover switches and outlets on walls and also those built into furniture, such as kitchen islands or other types of cabinetry. There are a few types of switch and plate covers, including: 1 Toggle wall switch plates for switches that flip up and down 2 Rocker wall switch plates, with a large rectangular opening, work with rocker, dimmer, slide, and tap switches 3 Outlet cover plates 4 Combination switch and outlet cover plates (for example a toggle switch and outlet or a toggle and rocker switch) 5 Ganged wall switch and outlet cover plates (to cover two, three, or four switches or outlets in a row)
How many outlets can you cover in a ganged wall?from thespruce.com
Ganged wall switch and outlet cover plates (to cover two, three, or four switches or outlets in a row)
How to choose the right size light switch cover?from wallplatewarehouse.com
When selecting the right size for light switch covers, consider the plate orientation. The light outlet covers vary in different orientations. For instance, the decorative switch covers have one type of orientation, and that is a portrait, unlike the normal light outlet covers. This is due to the design on top of the decorative outlet covers that you use to guide you. The light covers come in different orientation despite the different sizes. For instance, a normal light outlet cover can be rotated in all directions since it doesn't have any significant design on top of the cover. Therefore, select the right size, and the type of orientation that matches your taste and preference.
Why use a larger switch cover plate?from thespruce.com
Use of a larger switch or outlet cover plate can save time and effort in non-standard applications where you would otherwise have to patch, sand, and/or repaint the wall around an outlet or switch to use a standard plate.
How many holes are in a toggle switch plate?from kyleswitchplates.com
This is a standard toggle switch plate. It has a small rectangle opening and 2 screw holes that are 2-3/8" apart center to center. The following 3 types of toggle switches fit a standard toggle cover plate opening, but they do vary in look and functionality: standard toggle with rim around edges of switch. thicker toggle with no rim.
How many sets of outlet covers are there?from thespruce.com
To make matters even better, the outlet covers come in sets of 38. So you can cover a lot of ground with just one set. The only downside? Since the outlet covers are backed by a strong adhesive, they may not be as flexible as other plug protectors (which typically slide into outlets the way a plug might).
What is an Amerelle plate?from houzz.com
Amerelle wall plates do more than just cover electrical boxes. They are an easy and inexpensive way to add a decorative accent to any room in your home. Easy to install and complements many decors and fixtures. Read More
What is a paintable outlet cover?from thespruce.com
The outlet cover looks like a simple switch plate that’s been designed without holes for switches or sockets. But instead of replacing your existing outlets (like a switch plate would, or like some outlet covers would), it can simply sit on top of them.
What is an outlet cover?from thespruce.com
And outlet covers can help you cross one of those items off your to-do list. As you might expect, outlet covers are small items designed to conceal your outlets—o ften by plugging directly into them (so you can’t plug anything else in ) or by covering them up entirely.
What are the pros and cons of outlet covers?from thespruce.com
Outlet covers can range from being incredibly sleek to being incredibly bulky. And no matter where your outlet covers fall on the size spectrum, you’ll encounter some pros and cons. Lower-profile outlet covers tend to be better at blending in, but they may be easier for your little one to remove. (And if they’re very small, they may present a choking hazard.) Bulkier outlet covers are much more eye-catching (often, to the point of being an eyesore), but they may be tougher for children to navigate. And sometimes, they’re bulky enough to conceal plugged-in plugs and wrapped-up cords.
How deep is a box outlet cover?from thespruce.com
This box-styled outlet cover is 2.75 inches deep, so it can hide cords and fit bigger plugs, all while making your home safer.
What are wall plates?
Wall plates come in different configurations, or models, based on what the plate will cover. You will find configurations for single or double outlets, different types of switches, jacks, or blank plates for empty boxes. Before you shop, make a list of the electrical boxes and their use to determine which configurations you need.
Why are wall plates important?
They hide unsightly and dangerous electrical boxes while also protecting important outlets, jacks, and switches that make home life easier and more comfortable. When you shop for wall plates decor online, which is the best way to find a wide variety of products at great prices, you should know what you are looking for. Here is a helpful guide to how to buy decorative wall plates online.
Can you buy wall plates online?
However, when you shop for decorative wall plates online, you should know the measurements of the boxes they are going to cover. How much space around the outlet would you like? Note that larger wall plates with multiple outlets or switches will be pricier.
How many openings are there in a duplex wall plate?
Duplex wall plates feature two stacked openings for electrical outlets. A single duplex is one pair of stacked openings and a double duplex is two pairs (for a total of four openings).
What is a duplex wall plate?
Duplex. Duplex wall plates feature two stacked openings for electrical outlets. A single duplex is one pair of stacked openings and a double duplex is two pairs (for a total of four openings).
What is a rocker plate?
You may have heard this type of plate referred to as a GFCI rocker, Decora rocker or paddle rocker. GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) are used to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Do switch plates come in different sizes?
There are three common wall plate sizes: standard, midsize/midway and jumbo. When selecting a size, the plate should completely cover the electrical box opening. If the opening is oversized, you may need a jumbo plate to conceal it.
What is top plate?
A Top Plate is the continuous timber beam on top of the walls that supports the roof structure by carrying the vertical forces from the rafters to the wall studs.
How big is a standard light switch plate?
Most decorative light switch plates that you find today are usually between 84mm – 86mm high or square in the case of a single sized plate and between 145mm – 147mm wide on a Twin Plug Socket. We have listed here a selection of larger than standard plate sizes that solves the problems referred to above.
What is a wall switch plate?
Wall switches and outlet cover plates cover switches and outlets on walls and also those built into furniture, such as kitchen islands or other types of cabinetry. There are a few types of switch and plate covers, including: Toggle wall switch plates for switches that flip up and down.
What Is a Wall Switch/Outlet Cover Plate?
A wall switch or outlet cover plate is a cover plate used to conceal a wall switch or an electrical outlet.
What are the different types of switch plates?
Wall switches and outlet cover plates cover switches and outlets on walls and also those built into furniture, such as kitchen islands or other types of cabinetry. There are a few types of switch and plate covers, including: 1 Toggle wall switch plates for switches that flip up and down 2 Rocker wall switch plates, with a large rectangular opening, work with rocker, dimmer, slide, and tap switches 3 Outlet cover plates 4 Combination switch and outlet cover plates (for example a toggle switch and outlet or a toggle and rocker switch) 5 Ganged wall switch and outlet cover plates (to cover two, three, or four switches or outlets in a row)
How many outlets can you cover in a ganged wall?
Ganged wall switch and outlet cover plates (to cover two, three, or four switches or outlets in a row)
Why use a larger switch cover plate?
Use of a larger switch or outlet cover plate can save time and effort in non-standard applications where you would otherwise have to patch, sand, and/or repaint the wall around an outlet or switch to use a standard plate.
What is a thermoplastic cover plate?
Thermoplastic cover plates are made of durable nylon that won't typically crack. They typically come in standard colors such as white, beige, black, and other neutral colors.
Is decorative plate more expensive?
Decorative cover plates can be more costly. They come in numerous materials, finishes, and edgings to match your decor, including:
How many switch plate configurations are there?
Shop by Size - Click Light Switch Plate Configurations to select from 400+ of switch plate configurations in nearly 20 quality metal finishes.
How deep are switch plates?
Regular Switchplates are a standard 4-1/2" high and 5/32" deep; width varies based on the number of gangs:
What is non-tarnishing on switch plates?
Non-Tarnish - All plates have non-tarnishing finishes unless as specifically noted ( raw brass switchplates ). Bronze and brass switchplates in all finishes have a lacquer coating.
What is an etched metal overlay?
Etched Metal Design Overlays - Nickel Silver, Copper and Brass decorative overlays are brushed and antiqued in the recessed areas of the design; a baked lacquer finish. Polished Gold is a plated brass finish.
How far apart are switchplates?
Switchplate openings are 1-13/16" apart, center to center, from gang to gang.
What is a gang plate?
GANG - The term "gang" refers to the width of the plate. A standard single-gang plate is 2-3/4" wide and houses 1 device. A 2-gang plate is 4-1/2" wide and houses 2 devices. A 3-gang plate houses 3 devices, and so on.
What is an outlet?
OUTLET - We use the term "Outlet" to refer to electrical receptacles, plugs, sockets, and duplex plates with two rounded openings (1-1/8" h x 1-11/32" across at their widest). We use the term "Rocker" to refer to block, Decora, slider, GFI, GFCI, or wide size openings (1-5/16" x 2-5/8"). Shop for Electrical Outlets