Wall Switch and Outlet Cover Plate Dimensions

Wall switches and outlet cover plates cover switches and outlets on walls and also those built into furniture, such as kitchen islands or other types of cabinetry. There are a few types of switch and outlet covers, including:

• 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
• Outlet cover plates (with two types: duplex type and GFCI type, which has the same cover as a rocker switch)
• Combination switch and outlet cover plates (for example a toggle switch and outlet or a toggle and rocker switch)
• Ganged wall switch and outlet cover plates (to cover two, three, or four switches or outlets in a row)

Three Sizes

Switches and wall outlet cover plates are screwed onto the device they are covering and come in three general sizes:

• Standard
• Preferred (also known as midsize or midway)
• Oversized (also called jumbo)

Standard Size for Single and Two-Gang Switch/Outlet

Typically, standard-size wall switches and outlet cover plates are used for new construction where construction tolerances are tighter.

The standard size single switch or outlet cover plate is nominally 2.75 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall. The standard size two-gang switch or outlet cover plate measures 4.56 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall.

Preferred and Oversized

In situations where drywall workmanship may have created by accident or necessity a large gap between the electrical box and the drywall, or in cases where removal of a prior switch or outlet cover plate leaves an old paint line, then a preferred or oversized switch or outlet cover plate works well. Use of a larger switch or outlet cover plate can save time and effort in non-standard applications where you would otherwise have to patch, sand, and/or repaint the wall around an outlet or switch to use a standard plate.

• 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.
• The larger single oversized (jumbo) switch and outlet cover plate is nominally 3.5 inches wide by 5.25 inches tall.
• The larger two-gang oversized (jumbo) switch and outlet cover plate measures 5.31 inches wide by 5.25 inches tall.

Different Cover Plate Options

Replacing dingy, dirty, or older cover plates can immediately upgrade a room. Cover plates come in two main material categories: thermoplastic and decorative.

Thermoplastic

A thermoplastic cover plate is common and affordable, especially when you need them for your entire home; they come in multipacks, too. Thermoplastic cover plates are made of durable nylon that won't typically crack. They typically come in standard colors such as white, ivory or light almond, black, brown, and other neutral colors.

Decorative

Decorative cover plates can be more costly. They come in numerous materials, finishes, and edgings to match your decor, including:

• Bamboo
• Metal covers in brown, ivory, and white
• Brass
• Bronze
• Brushed nickel
• Ceramic
• Chrome
• Copper
• Customizable (plastic with a sleeve to insert coordinating wallpaper/fabric)
• Pewter
• Stainless steel
• Stone
• Wood