Toggle Switch – A toggle switch is the traditional light switch you see in many households. It is simply the switch that toggles up for "on" and down for "off."
Rocker – A rocker switch is a switch that will often control a light or will turn things on or off. It works by pressing on the switch – pressing up will typically set the light or appliance in an "on" position, and pressing down will place the switch in an "off" position.
GFI – "GFI" stands for "Ground Fault Interrupter." These are seen a lot in modern homes – often in outlets with a 'reset' and a 'test' switch. The purpose of these outlets is to save a person from a potential electric shock.
Despard – A despard looks similar to a duplex, but is an older rounded shaped switch that is only about an inch wide at its widest. Older homes or historic homes may feature despard switches.
Dimmer Knob – A dimmer knob will control a light and its brightness. The dimmer knob is round and is switched on by turning it clockwise. Then it is turned in the same direction to adjust the brightness of the light.
Switchplate– A switchplate is the plate that encases a light switch or an outlet switch. They are the things you have come to this store to buy.
Wallplate – A wallplate is another term for a 'switchplate' - a plate that encases a light switch or an outlet switch.
Duplex Outlet – A duplex outlet is the outlet you use when you are plugging in appliances or electrical devices (hair dryer, toaster, etc). Duplex outlets are typically double in nature, and can fit two three (or two) pronged plugs per each duplex.
Ethernet Cable – The cable that a computer uses to connect to the internet.
Coaxial Cable – Also known as a coax, this electrical cable is typically used for transmitting cable in the home.
Different illustrations of many of these types of switch covers can be seen in our Switch Plate Configuration Chart. 