Toggle, Decora, duplex... if you've ever tried to order a switch plate and gotten stuck on the names, you're not alone. Each type of switch or outlet needs a different opening in the plate, so knowing what's in your wall is the first step. This short video runs through the common ones in under a minute.
The Common Types
- Toggle: the classic flip switch. It takes a small rectangle opening.
- Decora (decorator style): the big rectangle. It fits rocker switches, most dimmers, GFCI outlets and USB outlets.
- Duplex: the everyday two-plug outlet.
- Rotary dimmer: a round knob, which takes a small round hole.
- Coax and Ethernet: low-voltage jacks for cable TV and network.
- Blank: no opening at all, it just covers the box.
Why Decora Covers So Much
The Decora opening is the one that trips people up. It's not just for rocker switches. Most dimmers, GFCI outlets and USB outlets use that same big rectangle, so if your device has a large rectangular face, there's a good chance a Decora opening is what you need.
Putting It Together
Once you know the type of each device, count them left to right in the box. That gives you both the number of gangs and the opening for each one. My post on what a gang is explains that part, and the wall plate buying guide covers sizes and the common mix-ups in more detail.
Not sure which one you've got? Send me a photo through my Etsy shop and I'll point you to the right plate.
I cut every one of these openings in real wood and acrylic. You can browse the wood switch and outlet plates here, or check switchplates.info for sizing, wood types and fit.
More short how-tos on the VARØ Industries YouTube channel.