01 — Before You Begin

What You'll Need

Gather these tools before switching off the breaker. Everything listed below is standard and available at any hardware store.

• Your new PlatePrestige brass switch, dimmer, or outlet
• Matching brass screws (included with your product)
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (optional — for some wire terminals)
• Wire strippers (only needed if re-stripping wires)
• Voltage tester (strongly recommended — confirms power is off)
• Electrical tape (optional, for extra insulation)

02 — Installation

Step-by-Step Installation

These steps apply to all PlatePrestige switches, dimmers, and outlets. Always refer to the Wiring Guide for your specific configuration — single-pole, 3-way, or 4-way.

1. 1

   
   

   Turn Off Power

   Go to your home's main electrical panel and locate the circuit breaker for the area you'll be working in. Flip it to the OFF position. Use a voltage tester on the existing wires to confirm the circuit is fully de-energized before touching any connections.

2. 2

   
   

   Remove the Old Device

   Unscrew and remove the existing wall plate, then unscrew the old device from the wall box. Gently pull it out. Before disconnecting any wires, note — or photograph — how they are currently connected. This makes re-wiring straightforward.

3. 3

   
   

   Prepare the Wires

   Check that each wire has approximately ½ inch (12–13 mm) of bare copper exposed. If the insulation covers too much of the wire, use wire strippers to expose the correct length. Straight, clean wire ends make for secure terminal connections.

4. 4

   
   

   Connect Your PlatePrestige Hardware

   Connect the wires to your new PlatePrestige device. Wiring varies by product type and your home's configuration. Refer to the Wiring Guide for diagrams. As a general reference:

   • Ground (green or bare copper) → green or bare screw terminal on the device
   • Neutral (white) → silver screw terminal on outlets; most switches do not require a direct neutral connection — check your product spec
   • Hot / Live (black or red) → brass or black screw terminals
   • Traveler wires (3-way / 4-way) → marked traveler terminals — see the Wiring Guide for multi-location diagrams

   PlatePrestige single-pole dimmers: Our single-pole dimmers have a plastic housing and specific grounding instructions. If the dimmer has no exposed metal yoke, ensure the connected light fixture is properly grounded. Always follow the instructions included with your specific dimmer model.

   Ensure all connections are firm and secure. Wrap electrical tape around terminals for added insulation if desired, though it is not required when connections sit fully inside the wall box.

5. 5

   
   

   Mount the Device

   Gently fold the wires back into the wall box, then push the PlatePrestige device into position. Secure it with the provided mounting screws, ensuring the device sits straight and flush. Do not overtighten — firm contact is sufficient.

6. 6

   
   

   Install the Brass Wall Plate

   Place the brass wall plate over the installed device and align it with the wall. Fasten it using the included lacquered brass screws, tightening until the plate sits snug and flush. Do not overtighten — excess force can crack the plate, damage the device, or dent the wall surface.

7. 7

   
   

   Restore Power & Test

   Return to the electrical panel and flip the circuit breaker back to the ON position. Test your newly installed PlatePrestige hardware to confirm it operates correctly. If anything is unresponsive or behaves unexpectedly, turn the breaker off again and recheck all wire connections.