How to Install a Face Plate

Double face plate

Face plates, also known as switch plates, surround electric outlets to protect the plug sockets from dirt and moisture, keeping the outlet safe to use. Face plates need to be removed for a variety of reasons: Repairs might be needed on the electric socket, the old face plate may need to be replaced or the face plate may need to be removed for painting a wall. Whatever the reason, installing a face plate requires only one tool.

Things You'll Need

• Small flat-head screwdriver

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Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the outlet where the face plate will be installed. Go to the fuse box and find what switch turns off the power to the outlet you will be working on. Turn off power to the entire house if you can't find the switch to the exact outlet. Although installing a face plate can be done without turning off the power, it is highly recommended the electricity is off before removing or installing a face plate to avoid the risk of electric shock.

2. 

   Heavy-duty face plate

   Align the face plate over the plug sockets, where they will fit into the holes on the face plate. Once the face plate is lined up with the plug sockets, the face plate should lie flush against the wall.

3. Put the small screws that came with the face plate through the holes of the face plate. Hold the face plate against the wall, with the same hand holding a screw into a hole through the face plate.

4. 

   Use a small screwdriver

   Use a small, flat-head screwdriver to turn the small screw in through the face plate. Make sure the screw threads are entering the screw hole on the electric outlet.Take great care not to over-tighten the screw as you attach the face plate. The face plate could crack or bow if the screw is over-tightened.

5. 

   Do not over-tighten screws.

   Use your screwdriver to sink the screws halfway in if the face plate has more than one screw. Finish the job by screwing all screws in completely, taking care to not over-tighten.

References

• National Association of Certified Home Inspectors: Electrical Safety
• Electric League of Kansas City: Plug into Electrical Safety