Creative Solutions Since 1982

Identify An Old Switch or Wall Plate Cover - Find Replacement

 

Have an unusual light switch, outlet, or wall plate cover? Need a replacement but don't even know what words to use to search for it? Use the photos below to quickly find your device or switch plate.

Odd Switches - GE Low Voltage

Identify: 

If your switches look like these, you have GE or Bryant low voltage lighting and both the switches & vintage covers have been discontinued.

Replace:

If you need new covers for your switches (like the ones pictured), buy replacement plates for old switches.

Replacement GE switches can also be purchased on our site, as well as cover plates for new GE switches.


Replacement Horizontal Toggles

Identify: 

This Horizontal Toggle / Vertical Toggle Combination is confusing for many customers. Please read replacement info thoroughly.

Replace:

If you need new covers for these toggle switches, first double check the number of screw hole openings in the cover plate (not in the devices).

There should be 3 total screw holes in the plate:

  • One above and one below the vertical toggle.
  • One in the center of the oval openings for the two horizontal toggles.

Horizontal & Vertical 3 Toggle Cover Plates can be puchased, once you've determined this is the correct plate for your switches.

Replacememt horizontal toggle switches and vertical toggle switches can also be puchased on our site.

It's important to note that horizontal toggle switches fit the same switch plate opening as a duplex outlet (round ovals with center screw).


Different Despard Switches

Identify: 

These are Despard switches mounted in a single-gang configuration with 3 stacked sideways toggle switches.

Replace:

Buy new Despard switches, horizontal and vertical mounting straps and covers with Despard openings.


Strange Switches - Despard Style

Identify: 

Another Despard example in a different configuration. Note that the screw holes for the cover plate need to be at the top and bottom of the switches (different from the next example, which is Nutone).

Replace:

We carry Despard light switches, installation straps and replacement covers for Despard switches.


Strange Switches - Eagle Despard

Identify: 

Another Despard example called Eagle.

Replace:

Replacement cover plates are available.

Get similar despard switches and installation straps if you need to replace these old Eagle switches. New switches fit same despard covers as the Eagle ones shown here.


Old Eagle Despard Switches

Identify: 

These may be Despard Eagle switches.

Replace:

The closest cover plate is the despard covers, although we haven't confirmed if they are the right fit.

Replacements are most likely modern despard switches and straps. New switches fit despard covers.*

*Note: We are not certified electricians and are merely offering an opinion as to the closest match for this style of switch (Despard Eagle). It is up to your hired electrician to make the final call on the safe and appropriate replacement parts for your system.


Despard RV Switches

Identify: 

These RV switches are another Despard example.

Replace:

Browse all despard switches for replacements.

Get new despard cover plates to match.


Nutone Switches & Covers

Identify: 

In this Nutone example, the screw holes are on the sides of the Despard switches, instead of on the top and bottom (as in the example above). These switches are labeled LIGHT, EXHAUST, VENT.

Replace:

You can buy replacement Despard switches and updated Nutone covers.


Nutone Switches & Covers

Identify: 

In this Nutone example, the plate is labeled LIGHT, VENT, HEAT.

Replace:

Get new despard switches as well as replacement Nutone covers.

The new covers do not have the labels imprinted on them, but are available in 13 finishes.


WP1100 Stacked Rocker Switches

These vintage stacked rocker switches are mounted in a metal strap labeled WP1100.

Do you have more information about these switches? Please contact us at 1-800-551-5953 or through the website contact us form.


Odd Mindcraft Switches & Covers

Identify: 

These old wide toggle F Touch or Mintcraft switches may be mounted alongside rocker switches, devices or outlets. The back says Made in Switzerland and has a star shaped logo with the letters "A", "F" and "H".

Replace:

Cover these fat toggle switches with new plates using these links:

Single F-Touch Toggle Cover

Double F Touch Switchplates

Triple Fat Toggle Mintcraft Covers

4-Gang Wall Plates for F Touch Switches


Old School Light Switches & Plugs

Identify: 

This is an extample of old Sierra Switches & Plugs.

Replace:

We sell new momentary switches to replace old Sierra trigger switches.

You can also get Despard outlets to fit these plate openings.

A variety of configurations are available in our line of Despard switch plates.


Digital Sierra

Identify: 

This may be an example of a switch in a newer Digital Sierra system.

It may also be a low voltage diode switch manufactured by Enercon Data Corporation.

Shop Enercon Low Voltage Replacement Parts.


Unique Push Button Light Switches

Identify: 

These antique switches are Push Button.

Replace:

Find push button switches with pearlized, black or colorful buttons, replacement dimmers & vintage wall plates in a variety of quality finishes.


Vintage Leviton Switches

Identify: 

This is a vintage Leviton Centura switch featuring 2 buttons.

Replace:

Update to a modern light switch.

Buy Vintage Centura Swtich Cover Plates.


t-slot-duplex-socket-example.jpg

Identify: 

This is a vintage T-slot duplex socket.

This old 250v outlet from the early 1900's has been banned since the '60s due to its lack of a ground or neutral.

Replace:

Update to a modern 125V outlet.


Strange Outlets with 3 Plugs

Identify: 

This receptacle with 3 plug openings is an Old Sierra Triplex Receptacle.

Replace:

We have this vintage Sierra outlet cover available in a modern metal plate that comes in white and ivory.


Strange Triple Plug Outlets

Identify: 

This is a triple plug (or triplex) outlet built into the cover plate.

Replace:

Updated receptacles have 2 plugs instead of three. Get a modern decora style outlet and standard rocker plate.

Be sure to measure the space you need to cover, as an oversized rocker plate may be necesary.


Single Vintage Plug

Identify: 

This is a Sierra Electric Square Simplex Outlet.

Replace:

We carry new Sierra Simplex Outlet Covers.

To replace the outlet, get a modern single receptacle and single outlet cover plate.


Offset 50A Plug in Junction Box

Identify: 

This appears to be an offset 50 Amp Receptacle mounted in an unusual way.

Replace:

We don't carry replacement covers for 50A sockets mounted in this manner.

For this particular scenario, it may be possible to mount a new 50A receptacle using a square junction box mud ring & new round opening cover plate.

See all large receptacle plates to find one with the correct sized opening.


Vintage Sierra Phone Jack Plug

Identify: 

This is a 4 Prong Sierra Electric Phone Jack.

Replace:

Buy new covers for old round sierra phone jacks.

To replace the jack, update to a modern phone jack.


Light Bulb in Electrical Box

Identify: 

Here's an old round phone jack insert.

Replace:

Missing the cover? Get this circular phone jack cover plate that mounts with screws on each side of the vintage style jack.

Replace it with modular telephone jack inserts that fit into the now more common decor openings for rocker switches, slide dimmers, and GFI outlets.


Bell Systems Telephone Jack Round

Identify: 

Round Bell telephone jack.

Replace:

Missing the cover? Get this vintage phone jack cover.

Replace it with modular phone jack inserts that fit into rocker switchplate openings.


Bell System Phone Jacks

Identify: 

Antique round 4 prong Bell Systems phone jack.

Replace:

Get a recplacement cover for Bell System jacks.

Or, update your phone jack & cover.


info-strange-vintage-round-phone-jack-example.jpg

Identify: 

Vintage round box phone jack.

Replace:

This phone is installed in a round box. When the cover and phone jack are removed, the round wall box has diagonal screw holes spaced 2.375" apart.

Cover it up with this blank cover with diagonal screw holes for old round boxes.


Honeywell

Identify: 

The two brown midcentury light switches shown on the right are called Honeywell Tap-lite.

Replace:

For single Honeywell switches, get a new Honeywell cover. You can also find Double Taplite Wall Plates, Triple Tap Lite Plates, and 4-Switch Tap-Lite Covers.


Light Bulb in Electrical Box

Identify: 

If there's a light bulb between switches in your electrical box, it's likely a Pilot Light that alerts you when a light is on or equipment is running.

Replace:

To use this pilot light bulb for a toggle switch, you'll need a toggle plate opening and a pilot light jewel.


Remcon Low Voltage Switches

Identify: 

These old style switches & covers are Remcon brand low voltage parts.

Replace:

Most Remcon parts have been discontinued. You can still purchase new replacement relays. If you need replacement switches or cover plates, you can update to Touch Plate lighting stations.

Learn more about replacing Remcon with Touch Plate.

For additional help with converting to Touch Plate switches, add a free wiring guide to your cart when purchasing parts.


Awning Switch Covers

Identify: 

These are retractable awning & window shade switches.

Replace:

Get single Somfy awning switch covers for .6875"x1.25" momentary mini awning rocker switches.


Low Voltage Control Station

Identify: 

This is a GE RMS-2A lighting control station in an old GE low voltage system in a home built in the 1950's.

Replace:

An updated control panel is available, which can be operated with new GE low volt switches (sold separately).


Old GE Master Selector Station

Identify: 

This is a GE RMS-4A Low Voltage Master Selector Panel that can be found in older homes constructed in the 50's & 60's.

Replace:

For up to 8 switches, update to an 8 switch control panel and fill it with new GE switches.

To control more switches, pair GE's updated switches with a 12-switch control cover plate.

Dummy switches can be used to fill unused openings in the 8 or 12 switch panels.


Old GE Master Selector Station

Identify: 

This is an example of Lite Touch, a low voltage system that was discontinued in September 2015.

Replace:

There are no replacement parts or compatible systems for Lite Touch lighting.

Your only option is to replace the whole system.

Replacing with Touch-Plate allows you to continue to use your current wiring. However, you'll need new Touch Plate brand panels, relays, and light switches. Please contact us for more information.


Swepe Light Switches

Identify: 

Theses odd switches are Swepe brand.

Replace:

There are no switch or cover replacements available at this time. We recommend consulting an electrician and updating to a newer line.


Swepe Switch

Another example of a Swepe brand switch. Could be for a central vacuum system.


Unknown Odd Light Switches

Identify: 

These unusual light switches are vintage Bryant brand. The are 15A 120V line voltage switches that have large flat screwless covers (the third position in the photo or all three in the photo below) that rock up and down to activate lights. The plastic covers press into place in the round countersunk areas on each end of the switch.

Replace:

There are no switch or cover replacements available at this time.

We believe a standard 15A switch may be used to replace these, however please consult your electrician to confirm this.

Have more information about these odd switches? Contact us!

1-800-551-5953


Old Vintage Switches - Unknown Manufacturer

Identify: 

Another view of these line voltage Bryant light switches. 

Replace:

Have information about these? Contact us!

1-800-551-5953


Vintage Light Switch Covers - Unknown Manufacturer

This is the cover plate for the switches shown above; manufacturer was Bryant. The large paddle switches are set into a narrow frame, shown here in black, with ivory paddles.


Strange Old Switch Brand Unknown

Identify: 

Brand unknown.

Replace:

No switch/cover replacements available.

Have info about these older switches? Contact us!

1-800-551-5953


Other Unusual Light Switch Examples

Identify: 

Still haven't found a match for your switches?

We have several more examples of Low Voltage Lighting.

Find out which brand of low voltage lighting you need to replace. We'll direct you to the correct replacement parts once you'd identified your system.


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