A wall plate (also called a wallplate) is the protective cover used for electrical outlets, switches, and devices in residential and commercial buildings.
If you’ve searched online for electrical covers, you’ve probably seen both “wall plate” and “wallplate.” Are they different? Is one correct? And which one should you be using when shopping for high-quality metal wall plates?
The answer is simple: they mean the same thing. But understanding how these terms are used can help you find better products, better pricing, and more reliable suppliers—especially when you need specialty sizes, oversized covers, or Made in USA metal wall plates.
Wall Plate vs Wallplate: What’s the Difference?
There is no product difference between a “wall plate” and a “wallplate.” Both refer to the protective cover installed over electrical devices like switches, outlets, GFCIs, dimmers, and blank electrical boxes.
- Wall plate (two words) – The most common term used by customers and search engines
- Wallplate (one word) – Often used in branding, catalogs, and industry terminology
In short, they are interchangeable—but “wall plate” is the term most people actually search for. That is why you may see both terms used throughout the electrical industry.
What Is a Wall Plate?
A wall plate is a cover that installs over electrical devices to provide both safety and a finished appearance. You’ll find wall plates in homes, offices, hospitals, schools, commercial buildings, industrial spaces, and public facilities. Wall plates are standard components used across all residential and commercial electrical installations.
Common types include:
- Toggle switch wall plates
- Duplex outlet covers
- GFCI / rocker / decorator wall plates
- Combination wall plates
- Blank wall plate covers
- Oversized and jumbo wall plates
If you're not sure what type you need, browse our full selection of metal wall plates to see all available configurations.
Metal vs Plastic Wall Plates
One of the biggest differences in quality comes down to material. Basic plastic wall plates are common, but metal wall plates are often the better choice for durability, appearance, and long-term use.
Plastic Wall Plates
- Low cost and widely available
- Common in residential construction
- Can crack, discolor, or wear out over time
Metal Wall Plates
- Stronger and more durable
- Resistant to impact and heavy use
- Ideal for commercial and high-traffic areas
- Available in finishes like stainless steel, black matte, white, ivory, brown, and red
At Wallplate.store, we focus on high-quality metal wall plates made in the USA for long-term performance in residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
Standard vs Oversized (Jumbo) Wall Plates
Not all installations are perfect. Damaged drywall, paint lines, tile gaps, or oversized openings can make standard wall plates look too small.
That’s where oversized jumbo wall plates come in:
- Standard: ~4.5" H × 2.75" W
- Oversized / Jumbo: ~5.5" H × 3.5" W
Oversized wall plates are commonly used for:
- Covering wall imperfections
- Hiding old paint lines or drywall damage
- Remodeling and retrofit jobs
- Commercial and contractor installations
Browse our oversized jumbo wall plates to see available sizes, openings, and finishes.
GFCI, Rocker, Decorator, and *Decora® Wall Plates Explained
You may see different names for the same rectangular opening used on many modern electrical devices:
- GFCI
- Rocker
- Decorator
- *Decora®
These all refer to the same general style of wall plate opening used for GFCI outlets, rocker switches, dimmers, timers, sensors, and other decorator-style devices.
Made in USA Wall Plates & BABA Compliance
For government, public, commercial, and institutional projects, product origin matters. Many of our metal wall plates are:
- Made in USA
- Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliant
- Suitable for schools, hospitals, municipalities, public facilities, and commercial projects
We also provide detailed compliance references to support contractors, purchasing departments, and procurement teams.
Learn more on our BABA-compliant Made in USA metal wall plates page.
Why Specialty Suppliers Like Wallplate.Store Matter
Large retailers and big box stores typically carry only basic wall plate sizes and configurations. If you need something specific—like oversized plates, uncommon combinations, commercial-grade metal finishes, or Made in USA options—you may not find it there.
That’s where a specialized wall plate supplier makes a difference.
We stock one of the largest selections of metal wall plates, including hard-to-find sizes and configurations, with fast shipping and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Plates
Is it wall plate or wallplate?
Both terms are used, and they refer to the same product. “Wall plate” is the more common search term, while “wallplate” is often used in branding, catalogs, and industry references.
What is a wall plate used for?
A wall plate covers electrical devices such as switches, outlets, GFCIs, dimmers, and blank electrical boxes. It helps protect the installation and gives the wall a finished appearance.
Are metal wall plates better than plastic wall plates?
Metal wall plates are generally stronger, more durable, and better suited for commercial, industrial, high-traffic, and long-term installations. Plastic wall plates are common, but they can crack or discolor over time.
When should I use an oversized wall plate?
Oversized wall plates are useful when you need to cover drywall damage, paint lines, tile gaps, or larger wall openings around an electrical device.
What is a GFCI or *Decora® wall plate?
A GFCI, rocker, decorator, or Decora® wall plate has a large rectangular opening used for modern outlets, rocker switches, dimmers, timers, and similar electrical devices.
Final Thoughts
“Wall plate” and “wallplate” mean the same thing—but where you buy matters.
If you’re looking for:
- Durable metal wall plates
- Oversized and specialty configurations
- Made in USA and BABA-compliant products
- Reliable shipping and availability
Shop metal wall plates now, including oversized, stainless steel, white, black, and hard-to-find configurations.
*“Decora®” is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. This product is not manufactured by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Leviton. Mulberry Metal Products.