Light switch covers may not seem like a crucial element in your home, but they serve an important purpose and can also add a touch of style to your space. These light switch covers, also known as switch plates or wall plates, protect your wires and switches and offer you optimum protection against electric shocks and abrasion. However, people often miss out on spotting the definite signs that tell that these switch plates need attention and are in desperate need of replacement or change.
Along with electrical safety and these decorative light switch wall plates add up to the home decor. These plates conceal the electric wires and provide an aesthetic appeal to the place. People hardly pay any attention to these small rectangular plates and eventually take the electrical safety of the room for granted.
Here, we will discuss the red flags from the switch plates that you should never ignore to keep your home safe. Sometimes a casual approach can cost you heavily. Whatever might be the reason, whether it is to change the look of your room or upgrade the overall functionality of the space, a sought-after approach and a few valuable measures can protect you from safety hazards.
Wall plates for outlets should be replaced in cases when you see cracked switch wall plates or you come across that the plates are heating up tremendously. These are the signs of caution that you must be aware of. In such a case, replace your wall plates for the better, as it would give you complete electric safety and would make your room more elegant and luxurious. Some of the key reasons to change a switch plate cover are as follows:
Pay Attention To Cracked Switch Plates:
Stay alarmed and immediately change the decorative light switch wall plates if you find them cracked. When switch plates are cracked, they are likely to trap dust and ultimately can lead to a fire disaster. Moreover, if your room has an undersized wall plate, then a gap above 4.5mm can also increase the chances of a short circuit. Dust can clog the outlet and, straight away, cause explosions.
If the switch plates are cracked, and the wires are coming out, then it is possible that a curious child or a toddler reaches inside this opening and gets shocked. If your switch plate is broken or cracked, make sure you replace them with a new one.
Upgrade To Better Functionality:
Sometimes, we try to upgrade your space; whether it is a home, office, or commercial grocery store, we tend to improvise the infrastructure. It may happen on special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New year or just be a regular remodeling activity.
When such an upgradation to functionality takes place, we often require to change our decorative light switch wall plates as well. Depending on your requirement, a wall plate can be a toggle, duplex, rocker, or simply a blank switch plate. Suppose you are planning to upgrade to smart lights throughout the room; then you might need a dimmer switch to fit the need and a compatible light switch wall plate as well.
In a different scenario, you might want to incorporate better technology into your room by installing a USB charging outlet in place of a standard outlet. In that case, too, you would need a compatible outlet cover.
Installation Frustration:
We all know that contractors do their jobs well, but there can be cases where you become the victim of bad remodels or an inappropriate installation. In this case, you have to look into the details and examine the electric switch wall plates. Are you able to detect any gap between the switch plate and the wall? If you peer, can you look into the wall behind the switch plate and see the light entering around the edges? If so, then you should re-install it or change the switch plate.
Change in Temperature
Another incident that you might face with your switches is extreme temperature fluctuations. Temperature fluctuations aren’t always due to electrical issues; sometimes, a switch plate ends up being exposed to such temperatures due to poor insulation.
Depending on the type of home or finishing, you can have any kind of wall plate. It can be an antique brass wall plate or acontemporary wooden or metal wall plate. In case you are currently residing in extremely frigid conditions, you may experience that light switches not working at all. In those places which have extremely hot summers and freezing winters, the light switch plates may damage easily. Replace them if you feel extreme heat or temperature fluctuations from the plates. Try avoiding metal switch plates like bronze electric wall plates because they are good conductors of heat and can get damaged easily due to poor insulation problems.
Change Your Home Decor
Increase home value. If you’re planning on selling your home, replacing your light switch covers can be a simple and affordable way to increase its value. Potential buyers will appreciate the updated look and the added safety feature of newer switches and covers.
In case that is not the case and it is just a remodeling project for your own stay, then you can match up the wall plates with the finishing and color of your room. Light switch wall plates come in a variety of materials, designs, and sizes, ideal to suit every room’s decor. You can pick black light switch covers for a more luxurious and contemporary feel or a wooden switch cover for a classy look.
Before you select your ideal switch plate type for your room, consider its type and your requirements thoroughly. How big is your house, and what are its functionalities? Is it a townhouse, an apartment, a condominium, or a single-family home? Depending on the finishing and the room type, you can choose the wall plates. These can be bronze light switch plates or antique-looking wall plates that definitely give you an artistic vibe.
There can be many reasons for the change of switch plates, but it is important that you take every reason seriously, look into the details of the matter and do your job meticulously. Remember, a careless approach can lead to electrical hazards for anyone around you.
