types of light switch covers and outlet covers

Types of Light Switch Covers and Outlet Covers


Need help choosing a wall plate? When choosing light switch covers or outlet covers, consider the size dimensions of the electrical box and the light switch or outlet's shape and size. Assess wall plate material options, such as plastic, metal, or wood, weighing factors like durability and maintenance. Ensure the wall plate configuration matches the wiring devices you're installing. Check for dimmer compatibility if you plan to use dimmer switches. Factor in any special features, such as screwless wall plate designs or additional functionalities, while also staying within your budget for a well-rounded decision.

Size Dimensions of Light Switch Covers and Outlet Covers

Single Gang Wall Plate Sizes (1 Gang)

size of 1 gang light switch covers and outlet covers

Single Gang Wall Plate

Width Height
Standard Wall Plates 2.73" - 2.94" 4.47" - 4.69"
Midway / Midsize Wall Plates 3.09" - 3.15" 4.80" - 4.94"
Jumbo Oversized Wall Plates 3.50" 5.25"

Double Gang Wall Plate Sizes (2 Gang)

size of 2 gang light switch covers and outlet covers

Double Gang Wall Plate

Width Height
Standard Wall Plates 4.50" - 4.75" 4.50" - 4.69"
Midway / Midsize Wall Plates 4.94" - 4.96" 4.87" - 4.94"
Jumbo Oversized Wall Plates 5.31" 5.25"

3 Gang Wall Plate Sizes

size of 3 gang light switch covers and outlet covers

3 Gang Wall Plate

Width Height
Standard Wall Plates 6.37" - 6.56" 4.50" - 4.69"
Midway / Midsize Wall Plates 6.75" - 6.77" 4.87" - 4.98"
Jumbo Oversized Wall Plates 7.80" 5.50"

4 Gang Wall Plate Sizes

size of 4 gang light switch covers and outlet covers

4 Gang Wall Plate

Width Height
Standard Wall Plates 8.19" 4.50"
Midway / Midsize Wall Plates 8.56" - 8.59" 4.87" - 4.94"
Jumbo Oversized Wall Plates 9.50" 5.50"

Materials for Light Switch Covers & Outlet Covers

Thermoplastic Light Switch Covers

thermoplastic fire-resistant switch cover

Thermoplastic switch plates provide a lightweight, cost-effective option with good impact resistance and are preferred for hospital, industrial, and other high-abuse applications.

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Stainless Steel Light Switch Plate

stainless steel decorative cover

A stainless steel switch plate offers durability, corrosion resistance, and a modern appearance, making it a long-lasting and visually appealing choice for electrical switches and outlets.

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Aluminum Light Switch Covers

aluminum weather-resistant wall plate

Brushed aluminum wall plates can be weather-resistant with weatherproof design features such as protective gaskets or seals intended for indoor and outdoor locations.

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Nylon Light Switch Covers

nylon oversized outlet covers

Many nylon switch plates are designed to be self-extinguishing, meaning they have fire-resistant properties and can resist combustion without an external ignition source.

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Styles for Light Switch Covers & Outlet Covers

Toggle Light Switch Covers

thermoplastic switch cover

Toggle light switch covers have a small, center rectangular cutout to fit a toggle light switch. Toggle light switch covers have historically been the most common light switch cover style.

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Decorator Wall Plate

decorator wall plate for large switches

A decorator wall plate or rocker wall plate is for large rectangular-shaped devices such as rocker light switches, dimmers, GFCI outlets, and motion sensor lighting.

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Combination Wall Plates

toggle switch and decorator switch combination wall plate

Combination wall plates are a single cover that accommodates various electrical components, such as light switches, GFCI outlets, phone jacks, USB charge ports, dimmer switches, and data ethernet jacks. Combination wall plates are space-saving.

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Coax Wall Plates

coax cable outlet cover

Coax wall plates are designed for coaxial cables that connect cable TV and internet. Coax wall plates can also be used as rotary dimmer switch plates. Coax jacks may be in combination wall plates with additional Ethernet or telephone ports.

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Blank Wall Plate

blank wall plate cover

A blank wall plate is a cover without any openings. The purpose of a blank wall plate is to conceal and protect unused electrical boxes or mounting locations in a building's walls.

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Phone or Ethernet Wall Plate

ethernet wall plate

An Ethernet wall plate or a telephone wall plate has a built-in connector for networking cables or telephone cables that connect equipment to the building's phone, data, or internet.

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Outlet Covers

Outlet Covers

Outlet covers, also called receptacle covers, are designed to cover wiring for outlet wiring devices to prevent accidental contact with live wires and protect the wiring. Some outlet covers feature weatherproof covers.

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Screwless Wall Plates

screwless wall plates

Screwless wall plates are a two-layer wall plate cover. To install screwless wall plates, first screw the inner mounting plate into the wiring device, then snap the top outer layer onto the inner mounting plate so that no screws are visible.

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Shop Related Products

General Purpose Switch

Grounding toggle switch Shop All General Switches

Occupancy Sensor Switch

Wall plate occupancy sensor switch Occupancy Sensor Switch

Rotary Dimmer Switch

RFI rotary dimmer preset 3-way Shop Rotary Dimmer

Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician or consult the NEC® for safety. All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.