Even metal covers are safe for use over power outlets and light switches. Light switches and power outlets with exposed wiring can cause electric shock and fires. Click to see full answer. Similarly one may ask, are metal switch plate covers safe? Safety When you over-tighten a screw on a plastic switch plate, the cover can crack.
Are plastic light switch covers bad for You?
Plastic light switch covers can warp and pinch your electrical devices. High-End Look: You get what you pay for! Plastic plates (like the one shown here) scratch easily and absorb grime, making them more difficult to keep fresh and clean than quality metal faceplates.
Are metal light switch plates durable?
The photo shows the range and variety that metal light switch wall plates are available in. Durability: Metal switchplates won't crack, peel or discolor over time. Furthermore, solid metal face plates will not bow or distort when installed. Plastic light switch covers can warp and pinch your electrical devices.
How do I get rid of my light switch cover?
Go Green: Kyle Switch Plates' light switch covers are made of steel, brass, bronze or copper and can be recycled when no longer needed. Simply take to your nearest metal recycling center or scrap metal buyers.
Are switch plate wall covers interchangeable?
Although every light switch plate manufacturer creates wall covers with their own styling, plates typically coordinate and are interchangeable with products from other companies. Differences between wall plates are often very slight and generally go unnoticed at a normal viewing distance. Why Metal Switch Plates?
Is it safe to cover a light switch?
If you have traditional light switches at home, cover them with Child Be Safe Traditional Electrical Switch Covers. Another way is to rearrange your furniture to block off access to the switch or electrical outlet.
Do metal switch plates need to be grounded?
Yes, metal faceplates for receptacles and switches must be grounded. Section 406.5(B) requires that metal faceplates for receptacles must be connected to the circuit equipment grounding conductor.
Are stainless steel outlets safe?
Stainless steel switches and outlets are not manufactured for safety reasons so the best match would be gray electrical devices. Kyle Switch Plates carries a large selection of grey light switches, receptacles and dimmers that coordinate well with satin stainless steel switch plates.
What are light switch covers made of?
Thermoset: Plastic light switch plates and wall plates are very common, especially thermoset plastics. Nylon: Nylon plastic wall plates differ from thermoset plastics in that nylon provides additional resistance to impacts, abrasion, and fading.
Are metal or plastic outlet covers better?
Durability: Metal switchplates won't crack, peel or discolor over time. Furthermore, solid metal face plates will not bow or distort when installed. Plastic light switch covers can warp and pinch your electrical devices. High-End Look: You get what you pay for!
Do you need to earth metal light switch?
Yes, the metal faceplate needs to be earthed. Swing the earth wire from the backbox on to the faceplate, or use a piece of 1mm2 cable from the earth terminal on the backbox to the earth terminal on the faceplate.
Why are covers for electrical outlets made of plastic?
Thermoset (Plastic) They are designed to resist fading, discoloration, grease, oil, organic solvents, moisture and scratches.
Are wooden light switch covers safe?
Wooden switch and outlet covers do not meet the electrical code for flammability issues, unless the back side is covered with metal.
Do they make stainless steel outlets?
Yes, Stainless Steel Outlet Wall Plates can be returned and have a 90-Day return period. What is the most common feature for Stainless Steel Outlet Wall Plates? The most common feature for Stainless Steel Outlet Wall Plates is commercial grade.
What is a preferred light switch cover?
The preferred (midsize/midway) single-size switch and outlet cover plate is nominally 3.13 inches wide by 4.88 inches tall. The preferred (midsize/midway) two-gang switch and outlet cover plate measures 4.94 inches wide by 4.88 inches tall.
Are outlet covers safe?
Almost As Bad: Sliding Outlet Covers Sliding outlet covers are marginally safer than plastic plugs. When you're not using the outlet, the sliding cover automatically covers the openings. These can't be removed by tiny, curious hands, and they offer a more permanent solution than plastic plugs.
Is it safe to use outlet without plate?
Don't: Leave Outlets without Cover Plates Even if you don't think certain outlets in the apartment work, you should never leave outlets exposed without the cover plates in place. Cover plates are simple to replace, as most fit a standard size and require only two screws to keep in place.
How many different metals are there for a light switch?
More Finishes: Our light switchplates and outlet covers are available in twenty different metals for all your finishing needs. The photo shows the range and variety that metal light switch wall plates are available in.
What is metal cover?
Metal covers have smooth beveled edges that are angled all the way back to the wall. The thicker edges of plastic plates create a little ledge that collects dust and dirt along the top edges. Attractiveness: Metal switch plates have a beauty, weight and surface quality that you won't find in plastics. Sound: Metal switch plates have ...
What are switch plates made of?
Matching Look While there are dozens of switchplate manufacturers, metal and plastic wall plates are generally designed to coordinate for a uniform look throughout your home. Wall plates were originally manufactured in metal, with plastic switch plates produced later to match.
How many sizes of Kyle switch plates are there?
Kyle Switch Plates stocks over 500 sizes that are ready to ship, including oversized, narrow, old-fashioned, or deep variations.
What is Kyle switch plate?
Kyle Switch Plates specializes in metal light switch wall plates. Why should you choose metal over plastic switch plates? Here are some good reasons to consider:
What is flat top ledge?
The flat top ledge is much larger than a metal plate with screws. This ledge collects dirt and dust. They are more complicated to install because they come in two parts (the screw-less cover plus the sub-plate it snaps into). If the subplate is painted over, it becomes very difficult to remove.
Can plastic switch plates crack?
Safety When you over-tighten a screw on a plastic switch plate, the cover can crack. For your safety, choose metal switch plates. They won't crack or break off exposing internal wiring. They are your most durable and reliable choice. Uniformity Our American-made metal switch plates have been produced for over 50 years.
Why replace an outlet cover?
One great safety measure is to simply replace an switch or outlet cover to avoid the exposure of electrical wiring and to keep fingers from coming into contact with energized parts. Non-metal outlet and switch covers are among the safest because they help insulate you from energized wiring and devices, especially in areas where there is ...
How to prevent electrical hazards?
Prevent Electrical Hazards by Covering Switches and Outlets – One great safety measure is to simply replace an switch or outlet cover to avoid the exposure of electrical wiring and to keep fingers from coming into contact with energized parts.
Can you work on energized circuits?
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Is there a switch plate over a light switch?
There is No Switch Plate over the light switch. The Screws are removed from the actual Switch. My guess is that the switch screw terminals shorted against the metal switch box causing the circuit to short out and prevent the circuit breaker from being turned back on.
