Electrical faceplates are covers secured over socket back boxes, switches, and other electrical wiring outlets. They are widely used at almost all domestic and industrial cable entry points. They conceal wired connections, improving safety and giving a cleaner look.
Faceplates are often referred to as wall plates or mounting plates and are sold alongside other electrical installation accessories. The most common places you will see them are over wall sockets or light switches in homes and workplaces. The vast majority are made from either plastic or metal and are designed to screw, clip or push (snap-fit) into place.
This introductory guide will cover the basics of how to choose and buy wall plates or electrical socket covers online. To answer the question ‘what is a faceplate?’ more fully, we will look at:
- The various types sold online in the UK and elsewhere
- The wide range of available options for faceplate materials and finishes
- What it means to choose a wall plate by ‘number of gangs’