A blank wall plate is a solid, flat cover with no openings, designed to safely conceal an unused electrical box. Whether you've removed a light switch, relocated an outlet, or have a junction box that needs to be covered, a blank plate provides the clean, professional, and code-compliant finish required to safely terminate the location.
The Purpose of a Blank Plate: Safety and Aesthetics
A blank wall plate serves two critical functions that are equally important.
- Safety First: Electrical code requires that any junction box containing wire splices—whether they are live or capped off—must be covered and remain accessible. You should never cover an electrical box with drywall or wallpaper. A blank plate fulfills this requirement by providing a protective barrier that prevents accidental contact with wiring and helps contain any potential sparks within the box.
- A Clean Finish: Aesthetically, a blank plate offers a clean and unobtrusive way to make an unused outlet or switch disappear. It blends in with the surrounding wall, providing a much more professional and intentional look than leaving an old, disconnected device in place.
Finding the Right Size and Style
To ensure a seamless look, it's important to match your blank plate to the box you are covering and the other plates on your wall.
- Matching the Gang Size: Blank plates are available in all standard sizes, measured in "gangs." Whether you are covering a small 1-gang box or a large multi-gang box that previously held several switches, there is a corresponding blank plate to fit perfectly.
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Matching the Style: To maintain a consistent look throughout your space, blank plates are available in both classic and modern styles.
- Classic/Standard Style: These plates have softer, more rounded edges to match traditional duplex outlet covers and toggle switch plates.
- Decora Style: These have the sharp, rectangular profile of modern decorator plates, ensuring they blend in perfectly when installed alongside rocker switches and other Decora devices.
- Materials and Colors: Find the perfect match with plates in standard plastic (white, ivory, almond), durable stainless steel, and other finishes. We also carry "jumbo" or oversized blank plates to help cover any larger gaps or imperfections in the drywall around the box.
The Professional Way to Cover an Unused Box
Using a blank wall plate is the correct and professional method for covering an electrical box that is no longer in use. It ensures your home is safe, up to code, and looks its best. Safely cover unused junction boxes with a clean, professional look. For questions or to place a large order, call our lighting experts at 855-303-0665. Find blank wall plates in any size and style at Bees Lighting.
