There are many devices in a home that are powered by electricity and some of these such as wall lights, ceiling lights and cookers can have the wiring built into the walls. These will typically be controlled by a power switch and a common style of home accessory used for decorative and practical purposes is electrical switch plates.
Electrical switch plates are small coverings which are used as a surrounding for an electric switch. They are typically installed for practical purposes in that they cover the electrical wires which are connected to the switch and make the switch neater looking. They also serve a practical purpose in that the marks caused by people touching the switch can be more easily cleaned and this keeps the area around the switch looking less dirty.
While being practical accessories, electrical switch plates can also be decorative pieces which can be matched in with the décor of a room. While the most common type is a rectangular white plate, they can also be found in a range of colors and with attractive patterns. They are generally simple to install and can easily be changed when a room is redecorated.
Electrical switch plates can be produced for outlets that have one power switch. However one switch plate can be produced to accommodate up to three or four separate switches where required. In terms of attaching them to the wall both screwed and screwless models are available.
There are a variety of locations where electrical switch plates can be found for sale and this includes both online and in-store retailers. Online options include stores such as Switch Hits, Sockets and Switches and also Wood Wall Plates. These offer plates for electrical switches in a variety of materials from plastic to chrome, brass and wood. The switch plates are typically available in a standard rectangular style, although can also be found in a range of more decorative shapes.
For in-store shopping electrical switch plates can be found in various retailers. Home Depot, for example, has a range of switch plates available from manufacturers such as Pass & Seymour and Brainerd. Switch wall plates can also be found in stores such as Walmart, Target and Lowes.
In terms of price many electrical wall switch plates cost $10 or less to purchase. Cost will typically depend on the style, size and material used to produce the switch plate. A Brainerd Paisley Single Switch Wall Plate from Home depot is available for $10 and is manufactured from satin pewter with a decorative border. Larger wall switch plates will typically be more expensive and can range up closer to the $50 mark. A 4 toggle Art Deco Antique Brass Switch Plate from Switch Hits, for example, costs around $33.
Electric power switches are a common feature in buildings and electrical switch plates are a common way of providing these with a surrounding for both practical and decorative purposes. They come in a range of styles and sizes so that no matter the number of switches and décor of a room, it should be possible to find a wall switch plate that is suitable.