Mount a Wall Plate

A wall plate or a switch plate is used to secure the phone jack, light switch or any electrical or cable outlet. Wall plate not only keeps you safe from being electrocuted, but it also has some visual aspect. There are different types of wall plates available in the market and you can select the one that perfectly in line with your room décor. Installing wall plate is easy but is not recommended to those who have no idea about electrical connections. Required Items - Tape measure - Ruler - Power drill - Phillips screwdriver - Flathead screwdriver Steps 1. It is important to turn of the electric supply in the area where you want to install wall plate. This will keep you safe from being electrocuted. 2. If you are going to replace a wall plate then take the old wall plate away by unfastening the screws with screwdriver. In case you are going to install a new wall plate then move onto the next step. 3. Position the wall plate properly on the point where you want to install wall plate. Make certain that the wall plate is exactly placed on the hole and covering the opening. 4. Take a pencil and make a dot mark on the points where the holes exactly sit. These holes will help you to give an idea where the mounting screws will be installed. 5. Next step is to drill holes on the marked dots. Remember you are working with wires harness around. Be very specific while drilling to avoid electrocute or damage wires. Drill holes for mounting screws. 6. After drilling holes, connect the wiring with the on the back of wall plate to particular electric points. If you are not into doing any electric work leave it for electrician. Contact you electrician and ask him to do this task. If you are willing to do it yourself, you can take help from the wall plate manufacturer's manual. Manual will provide you enough information about installing wall plate and its connections. Installation may differ according to the type of wall plate you are using. 7. After connecting the wires, place the wall plate on the installation point. Adjust its position in such a way the mounting holes of the wall plate are exactly in line with the drilled holes. Secure the wall plate with screws provided in installation kit. Don't over tight the screws as it may crack the wall plate. Precautions and Tips - Always follow safety precaution before dealing with electricity to prevent electrocute. - It is better to hire an electrician rather than experimenting yourself. - Always use rubber gloves while dealing with electric wires. Don't touch wires with bare hands, especially if the insulation is damaged.