Source for Stainless Cover Plates?

[teamextreme]

I didn't think sourcing cover plates would be so difficult. I'm looking for SS decora cover plates in midway size that don't cost a fortune. The midway size is the kicker. I've found the best deal on 1000bulbs.com, but they only have standard size. They're crazy cheap compared to everywhere else, $0.80 ea vs upwards of $5 each some places. Any suggestions?

 

[turbowoodworker]

Not sure about midway size but I collected mine at Habitat stores while planning my build. Slow process, a few at a time but cheap. I think there is a lot of salvage from commercial and medical offices in my area.

 

[cybrdyke]

Any electrical supply store can order them for you and have them in a day or two. Doubtful that they keep midi's in stock in stainless.
CD

 

[Angelfire]

Mulberry Metal offers SS cover plates in a wide range of configurations. They don't sell direct. I found Dale-electric.com carried them and were generally the cheapest online. HD and Lowes had a few but not everything I needed and I didn't want to have mismatched covers so ordered all of mine from Dale Electric. They offer 3 sizes: Standard, Princess, and Jumbo IIRC. The Princess is their "midsize" version I believe. So surf over to http://mulberry123.accountsupport.com/metalguidess.asp to see what they make, then order from Dale (or another place if you find better prices).
Cheers.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Midsize and Jumbo coverplates should be largely unnecessary if you're dealing with drywall, plaster, or metal.

There is a section in the NEC (314.21)
Repairing Noncombustible Surfaces.
Noncombustible surfaces that are broken or incomplete around boxes employing a flush-type cover or faceplate shall be repaired so there will be no gaps or open spaces greater than 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) at the edge of the box

 

[Norcal]

The only reason for midsize or jumbo plates is poor drywall finishing or bad carpentry. See above post also.

 

[nsula_country]

I bought 3 standard sized 4 gang toggle plates off of Amazon for about $14 each. Looks like single gang decora runs $4-$5 each.

I've bought a lot from 1000bulbs in the past... Did not know they sold wall plates... They have 4 gang stainless for $3.16. Wonder "what" stainless alloy it is?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U3I3W4/

CT

 

[teamextreme]

I guess I never even considered looking at a supply house. I figured wall plates should be easy to come by pretty much anywhere, for a reasonable price. I guess not. I checked the supply house we use and they can get all the plates I need for a reasonable price ($1.20 for 1G Decora). That's more like it and shows what highway robbery Amazon and the like are getting. Of course they're not in stock and I'll have to wait a week or so, but I'm in no rush.

Regarding those that say midway's shouldn't be required, bad carpentry, etc. Ya, you're right, and I guess you can call me a bad carpenter then. The wall covering is OSB and I'm pretty impressed I got the cut-outs as good as I did with about an 1/8" gap on most, one has probably 1/4". But even with 1/8" that puts the edge of a standard plate right on the edge of the cut-out. I don't like the looks of it or messing with it, so I'm using midways. You by-the-book guys can claim they shouldn't be used all you want, but in the real world, including my shop, there's always bigger gaps than a standard plate will cover.
Yours Truly,
****** Carpenter

 

[nsula_country]

I guess I never even considered looking at a supply house. I figured wall plates should be easy to come by pretty much anywhere, for a reasonable price. I guess not. I checked the supply house we use and they can get all the plates I need for a reasonable price ($1.20 for 1G Decora). That's more like it and shows what highway robbery Amazon and the like are getting. Of course they're not in stock and I'll have to wait a week or so, but I'm in no rush.

Regarding those that say midway's shouldn't be required, bad carpentry, etc. Ya, you're right, and I guess you can call me a bad carpenter then. The wall covering is OSB and I'm pretty impressed I got the cut-outs as good as I did with about an 1/8" gap on most, one has probably 1/4". But even with 1/8" that puts the edge of a standard plate right on the edge of the cut-out. I don't like the looks of it or messing with it, so I'm using midways. You by-the-book guys can claim they shouldn't be used all you want, but in the real world, including my shop, there's always bigger gaps than a standard plate will cover.
Yours Truly,
****** Carpenter

Every plate in my house is standard sized... No gaps.

Shop is all surface mounted, no gaps. LOL!

Glad you located mids at a reasonable price.

CT