Light switch cover ???????

[ScottS]

There are several guys here doing light switches and outlets covers. Is it necessary to put in a metal plate on the backside of the switch cover? I had put some store bought oak ones in my old house several years back and they had a tin like plate between the cover and switch. Just wonder if everyone here making them was doing the same and what they were using.

Thanks
ScottS

[eelamb]

Scotts, The receptacle covers I have made have not backing. They work just fine.

[RayTrek]

Hi ScottS,
That is a good Question I have looked into haveing some made but have not followed through with it yet.
The issues with not haveing one on the back is the Ark blast created with a live circuit to ground at 6 times hotter then the suns surface there is a potential risk of fire to the timber switch/outlet cover the metal plate reduces that risk. May become an issue if you have a fire, and with the insurance, if the fire was started at the cover, what are the odds of that happening probably very low.
Just my summery of what I found out.
Ray
Another thought I had was to look at other fire resistant materials that can be painted or glued in

[c6craig]

Hi ScottS,
That is a good Question I have looked into haveing some made but have not followed through with it yet.
The issues with not haveing one on the back is the Ark blast created with a live circuit to ground at 6 times hotter then the suns surface there is a potential risk of fire to the timber switch/outlet cover the metal plate reduces that risk. May become an issue if you have a fire, and with the insurance, if the fire was started at the cover, what are the odds of that happening probably very low.
Just my summery of what I found out.
Ray
Another thought I had was to look at other fire resistant materials that can be painted or glued in

There are such paints, here is a link for some info. When we place a backboard for Telco's to place equipment on (demarc) they require the backboard to be painted with a fire retardant paint. I will have to check with our contractor to see what they usually use...

http://painttoprotect.com/?gclid=CIimxbTYhKACFclg2godQhTRJg

Craig

[eelamb]

Has anyone looked at the wood cover plates sold at Lowes? Will have to look next time I am there to see if there is a backer metal plate on those. Then again I am not sure they are actually made of wood.

[c6craig]

A quick glance online looks like they do not, they do not show any type of safety listings...

http://www.lowes.com/pd_21124-81227-64672_0_?productId=1059559&Ntt=wood switch plate&Ntk=i_products&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=wood switch plate

Not sure if the URL will work, it may be truncated. You can just go to lowes website and enter "wood switch plate" in the search...

Craig

[ScottS]

Thanks Guys. I am going to check out a few cover when I go into the hardware store next week. I am not looking to sell these I am cutting right now. They are instead for something else in the works right now.:-D

Thanks
ScottS

[eelamb]

NEC has changed the code for switches, as of 2005 all switches must be grounded, and they include the cover plate, but state if the cover plate is non metalic, using and grounding a grounded switch will meet code. Then it states a cover plate of various material (wood listed) must be installed to prevent electrical shock. Fire codes also require a cover to be in place, but again does not mention material to be used.

The code does state if you only switch the hot wire, and no other electrical runs through the box, the ground is not necessary.

[Capt Bruce]

I'd think a simple roll of aluminum flashing available at the same hardware store would yield a supply of hundreds of plates at a minimal thickness.

[eelamb]

The aluminum tape for duct work will do the job too, and it is thinner plus has a stick on back, and easy to cut. Bruce got me thinking about other backings.

[Deolman]

My ATV has some nice metal like tape used on the plastic to help reflect heat from the exhaust. It must work because it is attached to the plastic that runs close to the exhaust. Just like a regular piece of tape, it is sticky on one side. It can usually be purchased at an automotive store. It is about 3" wide and can be cut easily with a pair of scissors to fit where needed. I am sure it would make a great conductor as well as preventing a spark from starting a fire.

[pkunk]

The reason for the metal backing in the commercial switch plates is for reinforcement. Without, if you tighten the screws too tight the plain wood plate will break. Wood is an insulator, and if shocks are a problem (static interfering with dimmers, etc) nylon screws are available.

[c6craig]

My ATV has some nice metal like tape used on the plastic to help reflect heat from the exhaust. It must work because it is attached to the plastic that runs close to the exhaust. Just like a regular piece of tape, it is sticky on one side. It can usually be purchased at an automotive store. It is about 3" wide and can be cut easily with a pair of scissors to fit where needed. I am sure it would make a great conductor as well as preventing a spark from starting a fire.

The duct tape may be a far cheaper solution. I have used the same stuff you are talking about as well as heat wrap that installs with wire or tie wraps for high heat areas (exhaust, headers, etc.) when dealing with highly modified engines in cars. This may be what you are talking about though, basic heat foil..

http://www.heatshieldproducts.com/cool_foil_tape.php

Craig

[c6craig]

The reason for the metal backing in the commercial switch plates is for reinforcement. Without, if you tighten the screws too tight the plain wood plate will break. Wood is an insulator, and if shocks are a problem (static interfering with dimmers, etc) nylon screws are available.

Sounds right to me...I have cheapo builders grade white plastic plate covers in my house and I just pulled one off to look and there is no metal backing. So if there is no need for them on plastic I doubt you would need it on wood, unless of course you are just trying to support them from cracking.

Craig