Install Outlet and Switch Covers
This might seem like a minor finishing touch, but clean, properly installed cover plates make a huge difference in how finished your kitchen looks. More importantly, this is when you thoroughly test every electrical circuit to ensure everything is safe and working correctly.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
$30-$50 (cover plates)
Before You Begin
Installing cover plates is straightforward, but this is also your opportunity to catch any electrical issues before you call the job done. A $10 outlet tester can identify wiring problems that could cause equipment damage or safety hazards.
What You'll Need:
- •Outlet and switch cover plates
- •Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
- •3-prong outlet tester
- •Voltage tester
- •Small torpedo level
- •Damp cloth for cleaning
Smart Investment: Buy a 3-prong outlet tester (about $10 at any hardware store). It instantly tells you if an outlet is wired correctly, has proper ground, or has dangerous wiring errors. Every homeowner should have one.
Choosing the Right Cover Plates
Cover plates seem like a small detail, but the right choice elevates your kitchen's finish.
Standard vs. Decorator Style
- •Standard (Toggle): Traditional switches with small toggles, common in older homes
- •Decorator (Decora/Rocker): Wide flat rocker switches and outlets, modern and easier to use
- •Most kitchen renovations use decorator style for a clean, updated look
Color and Finish Options
- •White: Most popular, blends with most wall colors, affordable
- •Light Almond/Ivory: Better match for warm off-white walls
- •Stainless Steel: Modern look that coordinates with appliances
- •Matte Black: Contemporary choice for modern kitchens
- •Screwless: Premium option that uses a snap-on plate over mounting frame
Pro Tip: Use the same finish and style throughout your kitchen for a cohesive look. If you have stainless appliances, stainless or brushed nickel plates tie the room together nicely.
Installation Step-by-Step
1. Clean and Prepare All Boxes
Before installing cover plates, make sure all outlet boxes and devices are clean and properly secured.
- •Remove any paint splatters, drywall mud, or dust from around outlet boxes
- •Clean the face of each outlet and switch with a damp cloth
- •Check that outlets and switches are flush with the wall surface
- •Tighten any loose outlet or switch mounting screws
- •For switches, make sure toggles or rockers are straight up and down
Important: If an outlet or switch sits too deep in the box or sticks out too far, adjust the mounting screws or add box extenders. Cover plates won't sit flat if the device isn't flush with the wall.
2. Test All Outlets with a Circuit Tester
This is the most important step. A 3-prong outlet tester reveals wiring errors that could damage equipment or create safety hazards.
- •Plug the 3-prong tester into every outlet in your kitchen
- •Check the indicator lights against the tester's chart
- •Two amber lights (or the "correct" pattern) means proper wiring
- •Any other light pattern indicates a wiring problem that must be fixed
- •For GFCI outlets, press the "Test" button—it should trip immediately
- •Press "Reset" to restore power
Common Outlet Tester Readings:
- ✓Two amber/orange lights (usually right two): Correct wiring
- ✗No lights: No power to outlet
- ✗One or three lights: Various wiring errors (check chart)
- ✗Hot/neutral reversed: Outlet works but polarity is backward
- ✗Open ground: No ground connection (safety issue)
Do Not Use: If any outlet fails the test, turn off power to that circuit and fix the wiring before installing cover plates. Reversed polarity or missing ground are serious safety issues.
3. Test All Switch Circuits
Verify every switch controls the correct lights and operates smoothly.
- •Flip each switch on and off to verify it controls the intended light
- •Check that switches operate smoothly without sticking
- •For dimmer switches, test the full range from off to full brightness
- •Verify three-way switches (controlling one light from two locations) work from both positions
- •Listen for buzzing or clicking that might indicate a problem
4. Install Outlet Cover Plates
Now install the cover plates. This is simple but worth doing carefully for a professional appearance.
- •Hold the cover plate over the outlet to verify it fits properly
- •Remove the protective plastic film if present
- •Position the plate so it's level (or looks level—trust your eye)
- •Insert the screw(s) and tighten gently—don't overtighten
- •For decorator plates with vertical screw slots, orient slots vertically for a cleaner look
- •Step back and check that the plate looks straight and flush with the wall
Common Mistake: Over-tightening the cover plate screws. This can crack plastic plates or make them bow out in the middle. Snug is enough—the plate just needs to stay in place, not be torqued down.
5. Install Switch Cover Plates
Switch plates install the same way as outlet covers, with one extra consideration.
- •Before installing the plate, make sure the switch toggle or rocker is straight
- •If it's crooked, loosen the mounting screws slightly and adjust
- •Position the cover plate so it's level
- •Tighten screws gently, checking that the switch still operates smoothly
- •For multi-gang plates (2-3 switches), ensure all switches line up before tightening
Pro Tip: For the cleanest look, align all screw slots vertically throughout your kitchen. It's a small detail that shows attention to craftsmanship.
6. Final Testing
Do one final check of everything to make sure nothing was affected by installing the cover plates.
- •Plug a small appliance into every outlet to confirm it works
- •Test all switches again
- •Verify GFCI outlets still trip and reset properly
- •Check that no cover plates are loose or crooked
- •Clean any fingerprints off the new plates
Success: If all outlets test correctly, all switches work, and all cover plates are installed straight and flush, you've completed this step. Your electrical system is finished and functional.
Understanding GFCI Protection in Kitchens
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is required by code for kitchen countertop outlets and any outlet within 6 feet of a sink.
What GFCI Does:
A GFCI outlet monitors the current flowing to and from an appliance. If it detects even a tiny imbalance (as little as 5 milliamps), it cuts power in a fraction of a second. This prevents electric shock if an appliance has a fault or if you touch water and electricity simultaneously.
Testing GFCI Outlets:
- •Press the "Test" button—you should hear a click and power should cut off
- •The reset button should pop out
- •Press "Reset" to restore power
- •Test monthly to ensure GFCI protection remains functional
Pro Tip: One GFCI outlet can protect multiple regular outlets downstream on the same circuit. This is cheaper than installing GFCI outlets everywhere. Your electrician can wire it this way during installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the lights on a 3-prong outlet tester mean?
A 3-prong outlet tester has three indicator lights that show wiring status. Two amber lights (right pattern) means the outlet is wired correctly. Other light patterns indicate problems: all lights off means no power, different combinations indicate open ground, open neutral, hot/ground reversed, or hot/neutral reversed. The tester usually has a chart showing what each pattern means. Any pattern other than "correct" needs to be fixed before using that outlet.
Should all my kitchen outlets be GFCI protected?
Current electrical code requires GFCI protection for all kitchen countertop outlets, as well as outlets within 6 feet of a sink. You can protect multiple outlets with a single GFCI outlet at the beginning of the circuit, or use GFCI circuit breakers. Island and peninsula outlets also need GFCI protection. Outlets for fixed appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers typically don't need GFCI, but check your local code.
Why do my cover plates look crooked even though they're level?
If your walls aren't perfectly plumb or your outlet boxes are slightly twisted, a level cover plate can still look crooked. In these cases, it's often better to install the plate so it looks visually straight rather than being technically level—your eye will notice a crooked-looking plate even if it's level. The same applies to switch plates on walls that aren't plumb. Trust your eye over the level.
Can I paint over outlet and switch covers?
You can paint plastic cover plates, but it's better to buy covers that match your wall color or use specialty paintable covers. If you do paint them, remove them from the wall first, lightly sand them, and use a primer designed for plastic. For a truly seamless look, consider screwless cover plates that snap over a mounting frame—they can be painted to disappear into the wall.
What's the difference between 15-amp and 20-amp outlets?
20-amp outlets have a T-shaped slot on the neutral side and can handle more current. They must be on 20-amp circuits with 12-gauge wire. In kitchens, at least two 20-amp circuits are required for countertop outlets. You can install 15-amp outlets on a 20-amp circuit, but not vice versa. 20-amp outlets are recommended for high-draw appliances like microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers.
Ready for the Next Step?
With all electrical complete, it's time to install your range hood or ventilation system for proper kitchen air circulation.