This Hampton Bay electrical outlet plate and the wide selection of identically finished plates designed for various other switch and socket configurations they offer, accommodate most of the outlet styles found in home and commercial settings. This means it is now much easier to match all the outlet covers in a room or even the whole house, for an especially nice finishing touch. A fresh and unique fashion statement, this product line is not at all one of the “same old” standard plastic and thin sheet metal outlet cover choices to be found regardless of where you shop for them. The final finish on them is a tough, lasting, low luster flat black enamel, with matching screws, and it is very attractive. It also represents a good base to hold a different color choice, so it just a few passes with a can of good quality spray paint away from being whatever other special color you might desire to finish off your décor with a different fashion statement that is all you. I find it perfect just the way it is. These plates are chunky, heavy, very strong, and unlike the usual flimsy, brittle plastic and thin sheet metal wall plates that depend on their close contact with the wall for their structural integrity, they and the outlets and switches you will attach to them will not twist, crack or break, to become an electrical hazard if a plug or cord gets pulled sideways or the outlet take a furniture bump. The plate has flat vertical edges on all four sides that look machine finished, giving the outlet an intended appearance of having been custom fabricated in a machine shop from a solid piece of 3/8th inch thick steel plate. In addition to being very attractive, when installed this design will be an immediate conversation piece, because it is something new and special in wall plates. A plus, particularly when used in an older home, where wall outlet cutouts are often ragged and enlarged, and sometimes there is unsightly paint buildup there, this wall plate is "oversized", being slightly wider and longer in size than the average, which does wonders in hiding hard to fix old damage and wear in older buildings. In working with these, remember they are electrical equipment, so touch nothing and remove nothing before shutting down and confirming the power to the outlet is off. Post or better yet lock the breaker or fuse box so only you will be turning it back on. This outlet plate version accommodates one standard on-off toggle switch that can be either lighted or unlighted, your choice, and it can be used to control either the outlet next to it or perhaps a ceiling light nearby. It has a rectangular power socket opening, so this is the one to select if it is to be used in a bathroom or kitchen counter, where if you don’t already have one, you should install a ground fault interrupter outlet as required by the electrical code. Standard rectangular double outlet receptacles are also available to fit this outlet cover so it can also be used anywhere a standard outlet is appropriate. There are some color options and different styles available for switches and also GFCI devices and outlets. Ground fault Interrupters must always be carefully selected to match the wire size and current load that is appropriate for the specific circuit they will be used for. For example kitchen counter outlets and work areas should be wired and GFCI equipped for 20 Amp. service, while 15 Amp. service can be used in bathrooms, also never without a GFCI. In living spaces and bedrooms where it is primarily lighting to be powered, 15 Amp. service may be appropriate.
Pros: Easy Installation, Easy Replacement, Nice Design, Stylish