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:I just moved in to an apartment and want to replace the switch plate cover inside the door but it’s an old building and I can’t seem to find the right configuration. It’s similar to Despard – but with no middle hole. The screws are right at the top and bottom of the place – with two small openings (for the switches) and a rather large blank space in the middle.

Do you have anything like it? If not, do you have any suggestions where I can go next?

Thanks!

Sheila

Double Despard

Hi Shelia,
Thanks for getting in touch. That does sound a lot like a double despard which looks a bit like an outlet, but more like what you are describing. The only style we have of that configuration at present is mirrored glass. Here’s a google search of some other companies which have some in stock. I hope this helps.

Thanks–
Greg
Habitatter.com
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Switches that are used on the horizontal plane (turn on left and right instead of up and down) are known as despards or at times called stacked switches. A despard can be either a toggle switch or an outlet and fit as many as three devices in the space of one standard switch box. Despards are also used for low voltage applications such as whole house sound systems and landscape lighting.

Examples of Despard Switch Plates Single Despard Switchplate Single Gang Double Despard Single Gang Switchplate Triple Despard Single Gang Switchplate Double Despard Double Gang Switchplate Triple Despard Double Gang Switchplate Six Despard Double Gang Switchplate Triple Despard / Outlet Double Gang Switchplate Triple Despard / Toggle Double Gang Switchplate

Examples of Despard Switches & Outlets

Despard Outlet Despard Toggle Switch

Despard switches and outlets can be used in any configuration and are great for tight spaces. They also work well in older homes where the gang boxes are imbedded in the plaster and installing a new electrical box would be too difficult. Two of the most popular uses of despard switches are in bathrooms and in rooms with a ceiling fan so that one switch can control the light and the other control the fan.

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Question:

Hello. I have a question regarding a product you are selling. I have the following type of wall outlet:

GFCI with switchplate

We currently have a cover that has a mirror finish and I noticed that you have something that looks similar:

Mirrored Glass Rocker Switchplate

Is the cover you sell for a rocker switch or for the type of outlet I have? Or does it work for both? The thing I am wondering is if it’s an industry standard for the opening fitting both a rocker switch and a GFCI outlet. I just don’t want to order something to find out I ordered the wrong thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:

Hi, this is actually a fairly common question. To get right to the point yes they are one and the same.

There are several names for the configuration that we call Rocker on the Habitatter.com website: GFCI, Décor, and vertical dimmer, for example. Regardless of what you call them they are the most versatile of switchplates. They can be used with a multitude of inserts such as volume control knobs, modern phone inserts, TV inputs (HDMI, RCA, Cable, S-Video, etc.), dimmer sliders, as well as GFCI applications as shown below.

HDMI Insert

S-Video Insert

Dimmer Insert

Speaker Switch

Volume Control

For an index of all the switchplate configurations carried by Habitatter.com please take a look at our Switchplate Sizing Chart.

Remember if you have question regarding decorative home hardware just ask and we’ll do our best to find you the right answer.

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