How do I choose a switch plate?

How do I choose a switch plate?

Tips For Choosing the Right Switchplates and Avoiding Mistakes

1. Device Descriptions.
2. Plate Orientation Pay attention to the orientation of decorative combination plates that have different device openings.
3. Color and Finish.
4. Decorating On A Budget.
5. Oversized Switchplates May Be Required.

What is a switch cover?

A wall switch or outlet cover plate is a cover plate used to conceal a wall switch or an electrical outlet. Toggle wall switch plates for switches that flip up and down. Rocker wall switch plates, with a large rectangular opening, work with rocker, dimmer, slide, and tap switches.

Should all light switch covers match?

Ideally they should match the wall, or at least not stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. You can usually paint the switch plates to match the wall. Lightly sanding the plate first will help the paint adhere.

Do I need to turn off power to change switch plate?

Using a plastic or rubber handled screwdriver to change cover plates does not require the breaker to be turned off. You don’t have much to worry about.

What color should my switch plates be?

If your switches and outlets are a shade of gray, white plates would make them stand out like a sore thumb. Instead, surround them with metallic plates in a silver finish—stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, nickel, and so on. Mirrored switch plates also look great with this color.

What is the best switch plate?

Read on to learn more about switch plate covers—and to see our top options that would look great in your home.

• Best Overall: Hampton Bay Ascher Steel Wall Plate.
• Best Budget: Leviton Nylon Wall Plate.
• Best Modern: Rejuvenation Lewis Single Toggle Switchplate.
• Best Farmhouse: Alacart Creations Shabby Chic Light Switch Cover.

What is the difference between a standard light switch and a preferred light switch?

The Standard switches are all 15 Amps, some of the Preferred switches are 15 Amp only (but have a wider back to them). The other Preferred/Heavy Duty and Professional ones say they can work in a 15 Amp or 20 Amp switch, have an even wider back to them, and the switch itself is wider.

Should light switch covers be painted?

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.

Can I change an outlet with the power on?

But no not safe to do so. No need to touch the bare wire when changing an outlet, unless it is packed tight in the box or ridiculously short wires (which you about have to kill the power to deal with then). …

What color should switch plates be?

What color switch plate covers should I use?

What is a preferred light switch cover?

The Standard size plate is nominally 2.75 inches 4.5 inches, the Preferred size plate is nominally 3.13 inches by 4.88 inches and the Oversized plate is nominally 3.5 inches by 5.25 inches. You can use a device that has a 15-amp plug with either a 15- or 20-amp receptacle.

Are light switches a standard size?

The boxes, outlets, and switches are standard sizes. The only exception which comes to mind is that dimmer switches may require a larger than normal box for heat dissipation. Cover plates generally are the same size if they are the “standard size”.