Electrical outlet covers (also called wall plates or switch plates) are one of the cheapest visible upgrades in a home. Old plastic covers yellow, crack, and don't sit flush. Quality metal or modern unbreakable covers are inexpensive and update a room without any electrical work — just two screws per cover.
This guide covers standard cover swaps for receptacles (outlets), switches, and combination plates. There's no live electrical work involved if you only swap the cover; if you're replacing the receptacle or switch itself, that's a different job covered separately.
Before you start
Three things to settle:
1. Cover types. Single receptacle (one outlet), duplex receptacle (two outlets — most common), single switch, double switch, decora style (rectangular for GFCIs and modern devices), and combo plates (mixed switch + receptacle). Match the new cover to your existing device exactly.
2. Material choice. Plastic: cheapest, yellows over years, brittle. Nylon/composite: doesn't yellow, cracks less, similar price. Metal (steel or brass): doesn't yellow, doesn't crack, premium look, slight static buildup. Wood/decorative: matches certain styles, may swell in humidity. For most installs, nylon is the sweet spot.
3. Power can stay on. Cover swap doesn't require touching wiring. The screws hold only the cover; they don't carry current. You can replace covers with the breaker on, but if you're nervous, switching off the breaker for that circuit takes 30 seconds.
What you'll need
Tools
- Phillips screwdriver (small, matching cover screws)
- Flathead screwdriver (small) — backup for older slot-head screws
Materials
- New outlet/switch cover (matching the existing device configuration)
- Replacement screws (most covers include them; old covers' screws often work too)
Buy Decora-style for any GFCI or USB outlet
Standard duplex receptacles use a single oval-cutout cover with two outlet holes. GFCI outlets, USB outlets, and other modern devices use Decora-style covers with a rectangular cutout that the device's faceplate fills.
If your existing outlets are mixed (some standard, some GFCI), you'll need both cover types. Don't try to put a standard cover on a GFCI — it won't fit.
Step-by-step instructions
Identify the cover style needed
Look at each outlet/switch:
- Duplex outlet (two round outlets): standard duplex cover.
- GFCI outlet (with Test/Reset buttons): Decora-style cover.
- Single light switch: standard single-switch cover.
- Double switch (two switches together): double-switch cover.
- Combo (e.g. switch + outlet): matching combo plate.
- Modern paddle-style switch: Decora-style cover.
Unscrew the existing cover
Most covers have one or two visible screws holding them to the device underneath.
Unscrew with a Phillips screwdriver. The cover lifts off the device.
If a screw is stripped or won't turn, try gripping with pliers or use a screw extractor. Damaged screws can usually be drilled out and replaced.
Inspect the device beneath
While the cover is off, take a quick look at the receptacle or switch. Any blackening, melting, or visible damage indicates an electrical problem that needs an electrician — don't just put a new cover over a damaged device.
Healthy devices look clean with no discolouration.
Position the new cover
Hold the new cover against the wall, aligning the device's screw holes with the cover's screw slots.
The cover should sit flush against the wall surface. If it doesn't, the device may be installed too proud or recessed in the wall — separate issue from cover replacement.
Drive the cover screws
Thread the screws through the cover into the device's threaded holes. Most covers use small machine screws (#6-32) that thread directly into the device's metal frame.
Snug but not over-tight — over-tightening cracks plastic covers or strips the device threads.
Verify level and flush fit
Step back and look at the cover. It should sit straight and flush against the wall.
If the cover is angled or doesn't sit flush, the device underneath may not be square — adjust the device's mounting screws (which requires turning off the breaker first).
Repeat for all covers in the room
Most rooms have multiple outlets and switches. For visual consistency, all covers in a room should be the same material and finish.
Mixed-finish covers in a single room (some plastic, some metal) read as unfinished.
Common mistakes that cost you
- Wrong cover style for the device. Standard covers don't fit GFCI outlets or Decora switches. Match style to device.
- Mismatched finishes in a single room. Visual inconsistency. Pick one material and finish for all covers in a space.
- Over-tightening. Cracks plastic covers. Snug only.
- Ignoring damaged devices. If the device beneath shows blackening or melting, replace the device — don't just cover it. Electrical fires start where damage gets ignored.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to turn off the power?
Not for cover swap — the screws don't carry current. But there's no harm in turning off the breaker; takes 30 seconds and removes any concern.
If you're replacing the receptacle or switch itself (not just the cover), absolutely turn off the breaker and verify with a voltage tester.
What if the screws don't fit my new cover?
Most cover packages include matching screws. If the new screws don't thread, the device's screw threads may be stripped — replace the device or rethread.
Some covers ship with the wrong screw type — verify and switch screws if needed.
Can I paint over outlet covers?
Painting over plastic covers is possible but not recommended — paint chips off with each cover removal. Better to remove covers, paint the wall, and re-install fresh covers in a colour that matches.
Metal covers can be primed and painted for permanent colour change but it's typically easier to buy new covers in the desired colour.
What's the difference between standard and Decora?
Standard duplex covers have an oval cutout for two-prong/three-prong outlets. Decora-style covers have a rectangular cutout for modern devices: GFCI outlets, USB outlets, paddle switches, dimmer switches.
If your home is mostly standard outlets but with a few GFCIs (kitchen, bathroom), you need both cover types — match each cover to its device.
When to call us instead
If your cover swap reveals damaged outlets (blackening, melting, loose connections), that's electrical work for a licensed electrician. ESA permits required for most outlet/switch replacements in Ontario.
Book a free 60-minute site visit →Related Ottawa services
If you're discovering electrical issues during cover swaps, our residential renovation team coordinates licensed electricians for any work that needs ESA permitting. Book a free 60-minute consultation.