Switch Plate Screws

chris n

I am sure this has been gone over in the past but as a painter, paper hanger,I remove and replace countless switch plates,outlet covers and was just wondering what the professional electricians prefer, horizontal or vertical screw placement?I must say,I rarely( I can only think of one other time) seen horizontal ,but the job I was on yesterday in Baltimore county, they were. Just wondering.

Speedy Petey

They must be vertical. Anything else is a violation of the International "SP" Electrical Code section ps109.42.

Anyone caught violating this particular section of the code is subject to fines and/or points.

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Inner10

Vertical.

TimelessQuality

Vertical ... catches less dust over time.

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-Steve

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." ~ Albert Einstein

WarnerConstInc.

Ahhhhh, who gives a ****!!

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Inner10

From what I can see very few people who fasten decora plates on don't.

Long live screwless plates!

newenergy

I don't understand the question. Don't switch plate screws just get screwed into the holes and turned until they are tight? How do you have a choice between horizontal or vertical?

Here's a pic if it helps.

480sparky

What difference does the direction of the slot make to a painter?

They just lose the covers and screws anyway, and then the HO or builder calls the electrician back to replace them.

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macmikeman

Up, down, all around, just make sure it's tight enough..... When you hear a "pop" you got it on good...

Inner10

75% of the plates I take off have just been painted around or in place! I though painters just used screwdrivers to open cans of paint

rselectric1

In the chicago area, they call the screw slot "soldiering them up" meaning vertical. I like "timeless" idea that they catch less dust, but in the overall scope of things, it just doesn't matter.

newenergy

Is this discussion seriously about how the slots of the little screws are turned?

rselectric1

I think so

Tinstaafl

As inane as it might seem, details like that are serious business. It's the gestalt of all the little things as well as the major things that establishes the customer's opinion of your overall abilities and attention to detail. That's how someone whose prices are equal to or even higher than yours often gets the job.

480sparky

Absolutely. Marriages have been dissolved over the toilet-paper-over-the-top-or-down-the-back issue, and some electricians are just as adamant about what direction the screw slots go.

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Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

WarnerConstInc.

On a serious note, verticle.

or just hot glue.

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WNYcarpenter

Makes our punch list every time...vertical for us...

I couldn't care less in my house....I'm still missing 1/2 my plates. When I actually put them on I allign them, guess it's about "dotting your "I""s and crossing you "T"s"....dust collection is the first real argument I've ever heard. As long as both screws are the same, it looks better IMO whether Hor., or Vert.

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"I knew I lost my wallet as soon as I threw my pants over the fence". -'lil jarhead bro when asking for a wire transfer...

Celtic

It could be worse....ground up/down is a perennial favorite

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chris n

Well, now I am glad I asked.

ampman

vertical -around here is a local code

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