Switch plates, also known as wall plates, cover the light switches and outlets in your abode, hiding the wires and other electricals. Nowadays, there are several materials and colours for switch plates to choose from to suit the interiors of your house. Replacing your switch plates is a cost-effective method to enhance the appearance of your home.
Here is a guide to the different types of switch plates for your abode:
– Single switch plates are the ones where the plate and device are a single unit or the device is packed with a special plate.
– Duplex outlet plates have two vertically stacked openings.
– Single outlet plate has just one opening, designed for 230 to 240-volt appliance outlets. These appliance outlets are usually used for large household appliances like dryers and stoves.
– Toggle wall plates are the standard wall plates used for light switches, which work with both toggle light switches and rotary dimmer switches.
– Decorator or rocker wall plates are switch plates having a large opening designed for rocker switches, dimmer switches (including rocker dimmers, slide dimmers, scene selector dimmers and tap dimmers), GFCI outlets and phone or data jacks.
– Coax plates are switch plates designed for cable TV or satellite coaxial cable jacks.
– Phone jack plates are switch plates specially designed for phone jacks.
– Blank plates are wall plates with no cutout space for a switch. These are entirely blank and used to cover an empty electrical box or an electrical box with disconnected wires no longer in use.
– Push button plates are switch plates specially designed to operate only push button switches. Push button switches are typically used in industrial applications rather than in the home.
– Audio/visual and data switch plates are wall plates designed to fit all kinds of audio and visual cables, including HDMI, ethernet and coax.
– Combination wall plates are switch plates that can fit two or more different kinds of switches.
Different sizes available for switch plates
When purchasing a switch plate for your home, it is important to consider the size not only for the function but also for the aesthetics. Ensure that the wall plate completely covers the electrical box, hiding all the wires. Single gang switch plates are usually availed in three 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
You will find luxury plumbing fixtures, door hardware and cabinet hardware at Spec Hardware. We use high-quality materials to create custom hardware and fixtures for your home. Our professional team will ensure we serve your needs and requirements. Book an appointment today.