Understanding the Purpose of Wall Plates

Understanding the Purpose of Wall Plates

Wall plates are safety features in your office or home that you cannot simply ignore. For many people, they might have no more use than keeping tangle of wires out of sight. By doing so, they not only keep the wires out of the reach of children but also enhance the overall look of the place. Moreover, light switch plates protect the cords and cables from moisture and dust, providing years of trouble-free performance. Considering the many advantages of wall plates, it is important to think carefully before purchasing one for your home or business.

Protecting Electrical Wires

Removing a wall plate reveals an opening in the wall that contains electrical wires. Without a wall plate, the wires will be left exposed, leading to significant issues. Dirt and dust can accumulate over time in the opening and cause electrical shorts, while moisture can also create several hazards. Hence, wall plates are crucial in protecting wires from environmental factors and ensuring safety.

Keeping Kids Away

Wall plates are crucial for keeping electrical wires covered and out of reach of curious children. Without them, kids may be tempted to touch or grab the exposed wires, which can be incredibly dangerous, as it only takes a few seconds for a toddler to cause serious harm to themselves or others. Therefore, parents must ensure the safety of their children by installing wall plates and not risk leaving outlets uncovered.

Providing Accessibility

You might be wondering, "Why not completely conceal the area around the switch?" While it's technically possible to patch up that space with drywall and leave the sockets or switch set inside the wall, this approach can create problems when you need to access the wires for any reason. For example, if you want to modernize to smart switches or encounter wiring issues, you'll need to be able to reach those wires. Using a wall plate allows you to maintain coverage and protection for the wires while keeping them accessible for future maintenance or upgrades.

Offering Style Options

Although the socket or switch itself may not be the most aesthetically pleasing object in a room, the rectangular cover around it can be a canvas for creativity. You can explore different styles of decorative light switch covers made from sleek metal or outlet covers in bright colors that add a touch of flair to any room. While the primary function of plate covers is important, they can also be stylish. You can look at the collection of plate cover styles at DK Hardware.

  1. Leviton Flush Mount 1-Gang Wall Plate in White: 80528-W
  2. HUBBELL WIRING 1-Gang Duplex Wall Plate – White: P8W
  3. Titan3 Technology White Smooth 1-Gang Duplex Jumbo Metal Wall Plate: TPMSJW-D
  4. Commercial Electric 5 in. Metal White Textured Round Blank Flat Cover: TPMTRW-B
  5. TAYMAC Metal Princess Two Duplex Receptacle Wallplate, Smooth Ivory: WRI-DD
  6. Eaton Wallplate, 4-1/2 in L, 2-3/4 in W, 1 -Gang, Thermoset, White, High-Gloss : 2132W-10-L 2132W

DK Hardware features an extensive range of wall plates for your various installation purposes. Click on any link on this blog to be redirected to some of the best options.

For any specific questions, feel free to reach out to us!

For quotation contact via email: sales@dkhardware.com or

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