Ethan BrooksBy Ethan Brooks

Updated November 2026

Outlet covers are most often called outlet covers, but you’ll also see them listed as receptacle covers, electrical outlet covers, plug covers or wall plate covers. Retailers and electricians use these terms interchangeably. The name you search for usually depends on whether you’re shopping for a basic safety plug or a decorative faceplate.

In a childproofing context, the most useful distinction is between blank plug-in caps that fill an outlet’s slots and wall plate covers that replace the whole faceplate. Knowing which term describes which product helps you avoid buying the wrong item for your home.

Why the names vary

Outlet covers have no single official name in US retail or electrical trade language. Packaging, store categories and product listings each use their own vocabulary. A product that one brand calls a “safety plug” may be labeled a “receptacle cover” by another. Electricians, meanwhile, tend to say “receptacle” for the outlet itself and “wall plate” or “cover plate” for the faceplate.

The terms also shift by function. A cover that blocks access to the slots is a different item from a cover that adds a locking door or a night light, even though both get called outlet covers in everyday speech.

The main types and what they’re called

Most products fall into a few categories. Here is how they are commonly labeled:

  • Plug-in safety caps: small plastic plugs that fill unused slots. Often sold as outlet plugs or safety plugs.
  • Sliding or spring-door covers: covers with a shutter that opens only when a plug is inserted. Usually called tamper-resistant covers or safety covers.
  • Replacement wall plates: full faceplates in different materials and finishes, sometimes called decorative outlet covers.
  • Locking covers: covers with a keyed or push-button lock, often listed as outlet covers with locks.
  • Weatherproof covers: hinged, gasketed covers for outdoor or garage use, called weatherproof while-in-use covers.

Manufacturers specify the product type on the packaging, so checking the listing for the category name is more reliable than relying on a single term.

Factors that affect which cover you need

Three things determine the right product: whether the outlet is in use, where it is mounted, and how old the household is. An unused outlet in a bedroom may only need a plug-in cap. A kitchen outlet with a charger plugged in often works better with a sliding shutter cover so the cord can still pass through.

Location matters too. Outdoor and garage outlets need weather-rated covers, and a standard plastic plate will not seal against rain. Count your outlets and note which are in use before you buy, so you can match each one to the right type.

What to do about it

Once you know the terminology, the buying process is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Walk through each room and list every outlet, marking whether it is in use.
  2. Decide which outlets need a blank plug-in cap and which need a full replacement cover.
  3. Check the product type on the package, not just the word “outlet cover.”
  4. Confirm the cover fits your wall plate size. Standard single and duplex plates are the most common.
  5. Turn off power at the breaker before replacing any faceplate, and consult a licensed electrician for wiring work.

Pressing a plug-in cap into an outlet is a quick job, but replacing a faceplate involves working near live wiring. If you’re unsure, a professional can handle that part.

Practical tips

  • Search using both “outlet covers” and “receptacle covers” to see the full range of listings.
  • Choose sliding-shutter covers for outlets that stay in use, since they block small objects without blocking the plug.
  • Remove plug-in caps from outlets you plan to use, and store them somewhere a toddler cannot reach.
  • Replace cracked or loose covers promptly, since a damaged cover can expose live contacts.

What we’d use

For most toddler-proofed homes, a basic plug-in safety cap covers unused outlets well, and a sliding-shutter cover suits outlets that stay active. Searching by product type will bring up both options.

  • Safety outlet plugs are a simple, low-effort choice for unused receptacles. View on Amazon
  • Sliding-shutter tamper-resistant covers work well where a charger stays plugged in. View on Amazon
  • Locking outlet covers suit homes with curious climbers who can reach the wall. View on Amazon

Are outlet covers the same as tamper-resistant outlets?

Not exactly. A tamper-resistant outlet has shutters built into the receptacle itself, while an outlet cover is an added product. Both serve a similar purpose. For details, see Outlet Covers and Tamper-Resistant Outlets Explained.

What color outlet covers should I buy?

Color is mostly a matter of taste, though matching the wall helps the cover blend in. For a side-by-side comparison, see What Color Outlet Covers Should I Use? White vs Ivory (2026).

Are outlet covers safe for toddlers?

Many are, but some designs can come loose or pose a choking risk if pulled off. For a breakdown of what works, see Are Outlet Covers Safe for Toddlers? What Works and What Doesn't.

Do outlet covers need screws?

Some do and some don’t. Screwless designs snap onto the plate, while screwed versions are more secure. Compare the two in Outlet Covers Without Screws (2026): Which Should You Choose?.

Can I use outlet covers outdoors?

Only covers rated for outdoor use. Standard indoor covers do not seal against moisture. For options, see Leviton Outdoor Outlet Covers: How to Choose and Install Them (2026).

Ready to choose one?

Ethan Brooks

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.