Everything You Need to Know About Switch Plate Covers

Switch plate covers may not be usually assigned much importance in maintaining interior decoration, and electrical accessory installation is very functional in its way, as it guards switches and outlets in addition to beautifying a room. They are available in different forms, dimensions, and materials, offering perfect opportunities to transform dwelling or office places. In this blog post, you will learn what switch plate covers are, what types exist, and why modular switch plate covers are important in contemporary households.

What are Switch Plate Covers? 

Switch plate covers are fixtures placed to cover switches or outlets to protect them and may also provide aesthetic value. First, they protect the conductive internal wiring of the switch or outlet from dust, water, and even mechanical impacts. Also, they enhance the glamorous look of your interiors by filling the ugly holes in the walls. Not only do you have to decide whether you’re installing a new switch or replacing an old cover, but it is vital to select a type that will complement the environment in which they are located.

Modular Switch Plate Covers: A Modern Solution

Due to the increasing complexity of the design of modern houses and their performance, covers for modular switch plates are quite popular. Another feature is the possibility of uniting several switches or outlets into one plate since modular switches enable this construction. There are many different colors and several different finishes on these covers, so it is very easy to choose one that matches the decor of each room.

As previously mentioned, modular switch plate covers are easily modified to fit the user's needs. Depending on your requirements, you can add or remove switches and sockets. These covers are available in predetermined sizes; one can host several modules. The modular switch plate's cost can again depend on the material and designs, and while the most commonly available ones are basic plastic covers, the expensive ones can be made of metal or glass.

Types of Switch Plate Covers 

Switch plates come in several styles and are designed with different functions depending on the possible position, switch, or outlet. Let’s explore some of the most common types:

1. Single Switch Plate Covers: These are the most frequent ones that trigger single light switches or electrical outlets.

2. Double and Triple Switch Plate Covers: These are used when two or three switches are placed alongside each other; thus, the Faceplate provides uniformity.

3. Oversized Switch Plate Covers: Occasionally, normal-sized covers fail to cover the hole surrounding a switch or outlet. Such cases can be covered with the help of oversized switch plate covers, which will have a larger area on the cover to hide all the gaps.

4. Round Switch Plate Covers: Rotary-style dimmers or control switches are a great feature on this cover, which is a round switch plate. This is mostly applied in retro or even custom-built houses.

5. Short Switch Plate Covers: Short switch plate cover designs can come in handy when space surrounding the switch plates is constrained, and there is not much wall space available, be it adjacent to the cabinet or at some corners. These are much smaller versions than regular covers but can be considered a good measure of protection.

6. Decorative Switch Plate Covers: These come in different styles and hues and can be made from metal, wood or ceramic. Especially suitable for anyone who wants to transform a room with a classy appearance, they are the best at converting an ordinary cover into a stylish device.

How to Remove a Light Switch Cover Plate?  

Learning how to remove a light switch cover plate is necessary since you may either replace an old or a damaged cover or install a new or fashionable one. Here's a simple guide:

• Turn off the power: It is advisable to switch off the power whenever you are working on a switch. You can do this by switching the circuit breaker that relates to the room in a counter-clockwise manner.

• Unscrew the plate: About light switch covers, you find that they are fixed either by a screw on the top part and the other screw at the lower part. Beware of opening the following with a screwdriver only: Put the screws in a safe place so you will have the use for them by adding a new plate.

• Remove the plate: After the screws have been unscrewed, you should carefully pry the plate away from the wall. If it appears so, apply mild force to sway it a little; however, do not apply pressure since you may end up tearing the adjacent wall.

• Install the new cover: If you’ve removed the old plate, properly position the new cover to align with the switch, then screw it back into place.

Advantages of Oversized Short Switch Plate Covers 

Large and short switch plate covers are important options if standard-size plates will not fit.

1. Oversized covers: If your particular wall opening is off or you have tweaked the wall slightly using a large cover, it can offer slight variations and hide problems around the switch or outlet. It is very useful, especially in those old homes where an extra switch or outlet is added sometime later.

2. Short covers: Short switch plate covers are suitable for small house areas. For instance, if you have a switch next to a cabinet or at the corner of the wall, the short plate gives perfect coverage while avoiding spot complexity.

They both increase the possibilities of installation space, just in case you have changed the requirements of space.

Modular Switch Plate Price: Factors to Consider 

When it comes to pricing, the modular switch plate price can range widely based on a few factors:

• Material: The cheapest covers are made from plastic, and the more expensive ones are made from metal, glass or wood.

• Design: Compared to the designer or the aesthetic, the functional ones may cost less.

• Size and Configuration: Plates that are larger and can accommodate one or more switches or outlets will be relatively more expensive than the normal size single switch or outlet plates.

• Brand: Products with better brand recognition have higher prices because the clients believe the materials are better quality and are expected to last longer.

There is a very wide variety of items and products when it comes to furniture. No matter your budget assessment, make sure that you get something that occupies the space in a functional and visually appealing manner.

Electrical Switch Plate Covers: Choosing the Right Material 

Electrical switch plate covers are available in a variety of materials, each offering its own set of benefits:

• Plastic: Plastic covers are convenient and cost-effective and can easily be found in most homes. Available in different colours and finishes to ensure that an individual can customise it.

• Metal: These are mostly resistant and may be available in brushed nickel, stainless steel or brass finishes. They also provide clean, modern looks to any interior design they are installed in.

• Wood: There are wooden switch plates, which are much more traditional and can be found in rustic-country-style homes. They can be painted or varnished with a choice of colours of their desire and fade with other furniture in the house.

• Glass: These high-end covers are very stylish and contemporary. They are mostly installed in classy houses or areas where the look is concerned.

Also Read - Modular Switch Plates Add Elegance To Your Home Decor

Conclusion 

Switch plate covers are not only a cosmetic accessory to your outlets and switches but are needed for safety purposes, improving the look of an area. Regardless of whether one is searching for switch plate covers that are modular, large or short, it can be found that the correct switch plate cover can change how efficiently and also the looks of the switch plate.

If you are repainting or redesigning your house and intend to change or modify your switch plates, then it is worth reading about the types of switch plate covers and available materials for your house. From round switch plate cover to the most affordable price on modular switch plates, you get the best option that meets functionality and design.