| Electrical plates come in many different functions and can be an easy way to add style to your home's interior. With so many configurations available, this guide is designed to help you determine which plate best suits your needs. |
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Electrical Outlet Covers
Outlet covers, often called duplex covers, fit over standard electrical two-prong sockets. The most popular configuration is the single duplex outlet cover, but the double duplex is also seen regularly in many homes. |
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Toggle Light Switch Plates
Standard light switch plates, or toggle switch plates, are available in a number of popular sizes. In industry terms, a switch opening is often referred to as a gang. A single gang switch plate covers one light switch, while a triple gang switch plate covers three light switches. Single and double light switch plates are the most common configurations, but larger four gang light switch plates are sometimes used in media rooms, large family rooms, and even businesses. |
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Push Button Switch Plates
Popular in older homes and historically accurate restoration sites, push button switchplates come with two circular openings for each gang. Single and double gang push button switch plates are most popular, but many homes that choose to install new push button wiring may opt for the triple or quadruple push button switch covers depending on individual needs. Push button switches are also available, and are sold in single pole, 3 or 4-way configurations, and even dimmer functions.
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Paddle Switch Plate Covers / GFI Outlet Covers
These versatile switch covers are designed to be used in several functions. A single paddle switch cover can be installed where a single rocker switch is used, often to operate a light or fan. It can also be used as a single GFI outlet cover. GFI, or ground fault interrupter, outlets serve as protective devices to stop the flow of electrical current when an imbalance is detected. GFI outlets are typically installed in rooms where the introduction of water may be likely, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Double paddle switch covers and triple rocker switch plates can be used to cover any combination of paddle switches and GFI outlets together. Paddle switches are also commonly known as decora switches.
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Combination Electrical Plates
In many rooms, a combination electrical plate is required to cover two or more different electrical components. The most popular combination is the light switch and duplex outlet cover, which is found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other living areas. Other popular pairs are the decora/GFI outlet plates and the push button and outlet plates.
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Specialty Electrical Plates
Sometimes an electrical socket is no longer used, and a decorative blank switchplate can be installed to cover the wall wiring. Other common specialty plates are tv cable cover plates, phone jack covers, and even the air conditioner outlet cover.
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