by Craig Dunman, Master Electrician
Swapping out your outlet and light switch covers is one of the simplest ways to clean up a space. If the old ones are cracked, stained, or painted over from a rushed remodel or “landlord special,” replacing them makes an immediate difference. It’s a quick project — no special tools, no license required. Just grab a screwdriver, press play on your favorite podcast, and set aside a few minutes per room. You’ll be surprised how much fresher everything looks once those old plates are gone.
Tools needed:
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Optional: Voltage Tester
Is this safe to do?
Yes! As long as you’re working with just the cover plate, not the outlet or switch itself, this is entirely safe for you to do on your own! That plastic faceplate is just a shield. You’re not dealing with wires, terminals, or anything live unless you go poking around underneath, which you should not be doing.
Step-by-step:
1. Start smart.
Go ahead and unplug anything that’s plugged into the outlet that you’re working on. From there, it’s smart to flip the breaker for that part of the house to ‘off’ just as an added precaution.
If you have a voltage tester, now is the time to use it to double-check that there’s no power at the outlet before you get started. This part is optional, but helpful if you want that extra layer of reassurance.
Even though you’re just changing the cover and not messing with any wiring, cutting the power takes about ten seconds and keeps things simple.
2. Unscrew the old plate.
Use a flathead screwdriver. Most plates have a single screw in the center. Keep the screw if you’re reusing it, or swap it out with the one from the new plate.
3. Check the area around the outlet or switch.
You should see a snug box in the wall with no loose wires. If anything looks burnt, cracked, or melted, pause here. That’s not a cosmetic fix anymore. You will need to give a licensed electrician a call. If everything looks good, move on to the next step!
4. Attach the new cover.
Line it up and screw it in gently. Don’t over tighten. Snug is enough. Overdoing it can crack the plate or twist the switch behind it.
5. Test it.
Flip your breaker back on if you flipped it off in step 1. Turn the light back on or plug something in. If everything works as expected, you’re good to go!
Tips & Tricks of the Trade:
- Match styles across the room or house. Clean lines go a long way.
- Nylon plates are stronger than the old brittle kind and won’t crack as easily.
- Paintable plates help them blend into the wall if you’re going for a seamless look.
- Screwless options are great for a modern feel — just make sure the base plate lines up clean.
When not to DIY this:
If the outlet is loose, if anything sparks or smells off, or if you see exposed wires moving when the cover comes off — STOP That’s the point where a licensed electrician should take over. Otherwise? This one’s all you. Simple, fast, and surprisingly satisfying.
If you are running into exposed wires, sparks, and odd smells OR you simply don’t want to bother with all of the fuss, give us a call and we’ll get it taken care of for you!
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