Toggle Switch Wall Plate Size & Reference Guide
This page is a complete reference guide dedicated exclusively to toggle switch wall plates. It covers sizing, mounting standards, opening dimensions, screw spacing, and gang configurations for standard metal toggle wallplates commonly used in residential and commercial electrical installations.
This guide focuses only on toggle-style switch plates. Separate reference pages are provided for duplex outlets, blank covers, and rocker / GFI / Decorator-style wallplates.
What Is a Toggle Switch Wall Plate?
A toggle switch wall plate is designed to install over a traditional toggle-style electrical switch — the classic up/down lever switch still widely used in homes, offices, and commercial buildings.
Toggle wall plates are device-mounted, meaning the wall plate fastens directly to the toggle switch device itself, not to the electrical box. The mounting screws pass through the wall plate and thread into the screw holes on the switch device.
Toggle Switch Wall Plate Mounting Standard (Device-Mounted)
Toggle switch wall plates follow a long-established industry standard known as device mounting. This mounting method ensures precise alignment with the toggle switch and provides a clean, centered appearance.
- Mounting type: Device-mounted
- Plate screws into: Toggle switch device
- Not box-mounted: Does not attach directly to the electrical box
The toggle switch itself mounts to the electrical box. Once the switch is secured and aligned, the wall plate installs over the device using the plate screws.
Toggle Switch Screw Spacing
The screw holes on toggle switch wall plates are spaced to match the toggle switch device:
- Screw hole spacing: 2.375 inches (2Â 3/8") center-to-center
This spacing is consistent across standard, princess, and jumbo toggle wall plates.
Toggle Switch Opening Dimensions
The opening in a toggle wall plate is sized to allow smooth operation of the toggle lever while maintaining proper coverage around the switch.
- Toggle opening width: approximately 0.401"
- Toggle opening height: approximately 0.925"
These dimensions are standardized across most metal toggle wall plates, regardless of gang count.
Toggle Wall Plate Gang Sizes Explained
The term gang size refers to the number of toggle switches a wall plate is designed to cover — not the overall style or size of the plate.
Toggle Wall Plate Dimensions (Metal)
Standard metal toggle wall plate height: approximately 4.5"
| Gang Size | Overall Height | Overall Width |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Gang | 4.50" | 2.75" |
| 2 Gang | 4.50" | 4.562" |
| 3 Gang | 4.50" | 6.375" |
| 4 Gang | 4.50" | 8.187" |
| 5 Gang | 4.50" | 10.00" |
| 6 Gang | 4.50" | 11.812" |
| 7 Gang | 4.50" | 13.625" |
| 8 Gang | 4.50" | 15.437" |
| 9 Gang | 4.50" | 17.25" |
| 10 Gang | 4.50" | 19.062" |
| 11 Gang | 4.50" | 20.875" |
| 12 Gang | 4.50" | 22.687" |
| 13 Gang | 4.50" | 24.50" |
| 14 Gang | 4.50" | 26.312" |
| 15 Gang | 4.50" | 28.125" |
| 16 Gang | 4.50" | 29.937" |
| 17 Gang | 4.50" | 31.875" |
| 18 Gang | 4.50" | 33.687" |
| 19 Gang | 4.50" | 35.50" |
| 20 Gang | 4.50" | 37.312" |
Princess (PRL) size metal toggle wall plate height
Princess size plates are the same width as standard, but taller.
| Gang Size | Overall Height | Overall Width |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Gang | 5.00" | 2.75" |
| 2 Gang | 5.00" | 4.562" |
| 3 Gang | 5.00" | 6.375" |
| 4 Gang | 5.00" | 8.187" |
| 5 Gang | 5.00" | 10.00" |
| 6 Gang | 5.00" | 11.812" |
Jumbo / Oversized Toggle Wall Plate Dimensions (1–8 Gang)
Jumbo plates provide extra wall coverage in both height and width.
| Gang Size | Overall Height | Overall Width |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Gang | 5.50" | 3.50" |
| 2 Gang | 5.50" | 5.50" |
| 3 Gang | 5.50" | 7.50" |
| 4 Gang | 5.50" | 9.50" |
| 5 Gang | 5.50" | 11.50" |
| 6 Gang | 5.50" | 13.50" |
| 7 Gang | 5.50" | 15.50" |
| 8 Gang | 5.50" | 17.50" |
Manufacturing Tolerances
Metal toggle wall plates are manufactured with standard dimensional tolerances.
- Typical tolerance: ±0.0313"
Installation Notes & Compatibility
- Requires a compatible toggle switch device
- Not compatible with rocker, Decorator, or GFCI devices
- Toggle wall plates are device-mounted, not box-mounted
- Use standard wall plate screws unless otherwise specified
Frequently Asked Questions About Toggle Wall Plates
What is a toggle switch wall plate?
A toggle switch wall plate is a cover designed to install over a traditional toggle-style electrical switch. It mounts directly to the switch device and provides a finished appearance.
How does a toggle switch wall plate install?
The toggle switch mounts to the electrical box first. The wall plate then installs over the switch and screws directly into the switch device, not the box.
Are toggle wall plates box-mounted?
No. Toggle wall plates are device-mounted and attach directly to the toggle switch.
Is toggle screw spacing the same for all gang sizes?
Yes. Each toggle opening uses the same 2.375" center-to-center screw hole spacing.
Can a toggle wall plate be used with a rocker or Decorator switch?
No. Toggle wall plates are only compatible with toggle-style switches.
Shop Toggle Switch Wall Plates
Browse our full selection of made-in-the-USA metal toggle switch wall plates, available in standard, princess, and jumbo sizes with configurations ranging from single-gang to multi-gang layouts.
Installing a Toggle Switch Using a 4″ Square (4×4) Exposed Work Cover
In addition to standard wallplates that mount over finished walls, toggle switches are often installed using 4″ square (4×4) metal electrical boxes with exposed work covers. These metal boxes may be drawn or welded and are commonly used in surface-mounted applications such as basements, utility rooms, garages, workshops, factories, and other commercial or industrial spaces where wiring is run on the surface rather than inside finished walls.
For exposed work applications, the toggle switch is mounted directly to the metal cover first. This cover is often referred to as an exposed work cover, a 4″ square device cover, or a 4×4 raised cover. Once the toggle switch is secured to the cover, the entire assembly — switch and cover together — is then fastened onto the 4″ square metal electrical box.
This design allows the cover to serve both as the mounting surface for the device and as the finished faceplate. It also ensures proper alignment and spacing for surface-mounted conduit systems, where precision and durability are more important than concealment behind drywall or tile.
Because these installations are typically used in exposed environments, 4×4 covers and boxes are most often made from galvanized steel or painted metal, offering strength, grounding continuity, and long-term durability. This setup is especially popular in commercial and industrial electrical work, as well as residential basements and utility areas where exposed wiring is permitted.
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