Toggle or rocker? It's one of the easiest things to mix up when ordering a switch plate, and it's one of the most common ordering mistakes I see. This short video shows the difference so you can check your wall before you buy.
Toggle vs. Rocker
- Toggle: the little lever you flip up and down. It needs a small rectangle opening in the plate.
- Rocker: the big flat paddle you press. It uses the large Decora opening.
The two openings are different sizes and they're not interchangeable. A toggle plate won't fit over a rocker, and a rocker plate leaves a big gap around a toggle.
Check Before You Order
Look at each switch the plate will cover and note whether it's a lever or a paddle. If a box has more than one switch, check each one, because a single plate can mix opening types. My post on toggle, Decora and duplex openings covers outlets too, what is a gang explains counting devices, and if you have a GFCI, USB outlet or smart switch, see which plate those need.
Ordered the Wrong One?
It happens all the time. Message me. If it hasn't shipped yet, I can cancel and refund so you can reorder the right one. You can reach me through my VARØ Industries Etsy shop.
The full range of wood switch and outlet plates is on the switch plates page, and switchplates.info has sizing, wood types and fit details.
Safety first: I'm not a licensed electrician; I just make switch plates. Any work on electrical system components is done at your own risk and/or should be done by a licensed professional. Always turn off power at the breaker and verify it's off before working near wiring.
More short how-tos on the VARØ Industries YouTube channel.