Find decorative ceiling fan pulls with brass or silver chains. Handcrafted, artistic charms add allure to the end of your ceiling fan chain.
At Kyle Switch Plates, we create unique pull chains for ceiling fans, featuring Kyle's original artwork on a sturdy, colorful rectangle pull.
Here, we'll showcase some of our best selling pull chain designs. Shop Kyle's decorative pull chains here to see 100's more design options.
Art Deco Fan Pull
Intricately etched art deco fans embellish these fan pulls. Choose from 33 stunning background colors (iridescent film or aluminum options).
Bamboo Fan Pulls
Kyle's bamboo design makes these elegant fan pulls perfect for a vacation home, rental property or any room with oriental themed decor.
Cat Lover Fan Chain Pulls
If you're crazy about cats and are looking for a fun way to add cat decor to your bedroom or family room, these cat design fan pulls are perfect for you.
Choose gold or silver cat silhouettes and add a favorite color to make the design pop.
Giraffe Nursery Fan Pulls
Looking for the perfect fan pull to operate a ceiling fan in a baby's nursery? These giraffe pull chains can be customized for a boy, girl or gender neutral nursery.
Decorative ceiling fan chain pulls are great for kid's rooms, dining areas, living rooms, game rooms - basically anywhere! Choose from a variety of unique designs and select from over 30 accent colors to customize one for your home.
Each pull is made by hand in Kyle's California design studio, using the embellishment and color of your choice. Available in silver or gold metal with an included 8" chain.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Retro Light Switches in 1950's Built Homes
If your home was built in the 1950's or 60's and has retro looking light switches, they may be Remcon brand low voltage lighting, like the ones shown here:
These switches were popular in the midwest during that time period.
Unfortunately, you can no longer buy new Remcon light switches or switch plates.
So if you want to update the look of the vintage switches in your home, you'll need to change your switches to another low voltage lighting brand called Touch Plate.
Your Guide to Replacing Vintage Remcon Lighting Parts
To update your Remcon switches and wall plates, you need to know that your Remcon lighting is a 3-wire system (3 wires come out of each light switch) and the replacement switches (Touch Plate brand) only have 2 wires.
Since you're switching from a 3-wire to a 2-wire system, you'll wire the switches in a way that requires you to double the number of switches in each cover plate. Get a wiring guide here (free with any purchase at Kyle Switch Plates online).
For example, this wall plate with 3 Remcon switches can be replaced with this 6-button Touch Plate unit. You will use separate Touch Plate buttons to turn the lights on and off.
You will always double the number of switches when updating from Remcon to Touch Plate. That's because each old switch will have new, separate ON and OFF buttons.
Each switch in a Remcon electrical system is connected to its own relay.
If you have a broken relay in your system, you can still buy newly manufactured Remcon relays here.
There are 2 different types of Remcon relays. Look at the relay that you need to replace and note whether is has 2 wires (red and white) or 3 wires (red, white and black) coming out of it.
Buy an R-115S relay with 3 wires here.
Buy an RC-120S with 2 wires here.
Need help identifying which part in your Remcon system is broken? See our Remcon Troubleshooting Guide.
Shop Replacement Remcon Low Voltage Lighting Parts at Kyle Switch Plates.
These switches were popular in the midwest during that time period.
Unfortunately, you can no longer buy new Remcon light switches or switch plates.
So if you want to update the look of the vintage switches in your home, you'll need to change your switches to another low voltage lighting brand called Touch Plate.
Your Guide to Replacing Vintage Remcon Lighting Parts
To update your Remcon switches and wall plates, you need to know that your Remcon lighting is a 3-wire system (3 wires come out of each light switch) and the replacement switches (Touch Plate brand) only have 2 wires.
Since you're switching from a 3-wire to a 2-wire system, you'll wire the switches in a way that requires you to double the number of switches in each cover plate. Get a wiring guide here (free with any purchase at Kyle Switch Plates online).
For example, this wall plate with 3 Remcon switches can be replaced with this 6-button Touch Plate unit. You will use separate Touch Plate buttons to turn the lights on and off.
You will always double the number of switches when updating from Remcon to Touch Plate. That's because each old switch will have new, separate ON and OFF buttons.
Each switch in a Remcon electrical system is connected to its own relay.
Old & New Remcon Relays
There are 2 different types of Remcon relays. Look at the relay that you need to replace and note whether is has 2 wires (red and white) or 3 wires (red, white and black) coming out of it.
Buy an R-115S relay with 3 wires here.
Buy an RC-120S with 2 wires here.
Need help identifying which part in your Remcon system is broken? See our Remcon Troubleshooting Guide.
Shop Replacement Remcon Low Voltage Lighting Parts at Kyle Switch Plates.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Centering a Switch in a 2-Gang Electrical Box - Here's How
The solution for covering a single device in a double box depends on what type of box you are covering.
We'll now look at how to center a device in each of these types of boxes.
2-GANG STANDARD BOX:
A standard box has tabs that the electrical devices mount into.
Typically, you would install your switch on one side or the other, and cover it with a plate that has 1 blank side.
There is no place to mount the device in the middle, so in order to do so in this type of box, you'll need a specialty switch plate that the device will mount to from underneath.
Then, the plate mounts to the box in the standard way.
Shop these links to get a cover for this box type, based on what type of device you're installing (rocker switch, toggle switch or duplex outlet).
- centered rocker cover for a 2-gang box (for rocker switch or block/GFCI outlet)
- middle position toggle switch cover for 2-gang box (for toggle switches)
- middle duplex outlet cover for 2-gang boxes (for outlets with center screw)
4" x 4" JUNCTION BOX:
In 4x4 junction boxes with screws in opposite corners, you need a mud ring to center your switch or outlet.
The mud ring (also called a plaster ring) slips underneath the diagonal screws to secure to the box. The device then mounts to the ring and the cover plate goes over as it normally would in a single-gang box.
Shop the links below to get these covers, which are all compatible with this center-mount mud ring for 4x4 boxes:
- 2-gang plate for centered rocker devices
- 2-gang switchplate for middle toggle
- 2-gang outlet cover for 1 center duplex
4-11/16" JUNCTION BOX:
For larger junction boxes, you'll use this large plastic ring and oversized covers for centered devices (larger than the ones linked to for the 4x4 box above).
Although these boxes have 4 total screw tabs, you'll only be using 2 screws (in opposite corners) to attach the mud ring.
You can shop the links below to buy oversized covers. Each are compatible with this mud ring for large boxes:
- oversized centered rocker gfci outlet covers
- oversized center toggle switch wall plates
- oversized centered duplex outlet faceplates
Now you know how to cover these different types of 2-gang boxes and where to buy the parts.
Shop Kyle Switch Plates for all your electrical device and cover plate needs.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Types of Screwless Wall Plates - Lutron, P&S, Touch-Plate Comparison
Today we're taking a look at 3 different brands of screwless light switch covers: Lutron, Pass & Seymour, and Touch-Plate Ultra*.
(*Note that Touch Plate is a low voltage lighting brand and screwless Ultra plates are 1 & 2-gang sizes only).
These simple, modern wall plates have no visible screws and are made to cover rocker devices (the large, rectangle shaped ones). This mainly includes Decora* rocker switches, rocker dimmers, and block/GFCI type outlets.
*The term "Decora" is a Leviton brand trademark term often used interchangeably with the term "rocker".
Inserts and modular frames allow you to install screwless covers over other devices, such as toggle light switches or phone/cable jacks.
Here are examples of several rocker electrical devices that fit into screw-free covers:
And, using inserts, blank dummy switches or modular frames, here are more options:
Learn more about & purchase switch plate inserts here.
The first difference between these 3 manufacturers is the sheen of the covers.
Pass & Seymour has a satin finish, Touch-Plate Ultra is very matte, and Lutron is high gloss (which the exception of Lutron's Midnight Satin Black, Hot Satin Red & Palladium Satin Gray).
Lutron's covers are the smallest, measuring 2-15/16" wide by 4-11/16 high.
Touch-Plate Ultra and Pass & Seymour's covers are both 3-1/8" wide & 1/4" deep, with P&S's being slightly taller at 4-15/16" high.
For reference, a standard rocker plate with screws is smaller: 2-3/4" wide, 4-1/2" high and only 5/32" deep. The screwless plates cover more of the wall space around the devices, but the cutout is the same size as any standard cover.
Covers are available in sizes from 1-gang (covers 1 device) up to 6-gang (covers 6 devices in same electrical box). Sizes vary by brand:
These covers each look different when viewed from the side.
One reason is because each manufacturer has a different sub-plate style that the cover snaps into.
Lutron's sub-plate is the same size as the cover, which is why you'll see a very noticeable seam between the cover and the subplate once it's installed.
Pass & Seymour's covers snap into much smaller sub-plates. But the edges do have a seam and taper back as they meet the wall (in a reverse bevel).
As mentioned briefly above, Touch-Plate is a low voltage lighting system brand. These snap-on screwless covers are part of their Ultra line (and are typically purchased to cover special Ultra low voltage light switches in older homes that have 2-wire 28V momentary switches instead of standard 120/277 volt light switches).
However, they can be purchased to use with any standard rocker device or insert if you like the sleek matte finish and smooth edges with no visible seams. Just know that they only come in 1 or 2 gang sizes.
Another thing to consider is the color of your devices (and desired plate color or sheen).
All three manufacturer's have a different shade of white in addition to differences in sheen (no-shine matte vs. high-shine gloss). Take into consideration if your devices are gloss verses satin.
Note that standard devices don't come "matte", so if you buy a Touch Plate cover your switches will have more shine to them even if they are satin.
Each brand offers different finishes to complicate things even further.
Here are your finish options for each brand:
Lutron has its standard line of gloss covers (to match their gloss devices sold here), as well as specialty satin red and black finishes (which also have matching satin devices from Lutron).
Here, we're sharing some installed covers for inspiration.
Pass & Seymour's metallic nickel receptacle and screwless cover installed in a mirror backsplash in a kitchen in Dallas, Texas:
White Pass & Seymour single rocker screwless cover with locator light on wallpaper in newly renovated California hotel bathroom:
Shop Kyle Switch Plates for electrical devices and coordinating covers.
(*Note that Touch Plate is a low voltage lighting brand and screwless Ultra plates are 1 & 2-gang sizes only).
DEVICE TYPES FOR SCREWLESS PLATES:
These simple, modern wall plates have no visible screws and are made to cover rocker devices (the large, rectangle shaped ones). This mainly includes Decora* rocker switches, rocker dimmers, and block/GFCI type outlets.
*The term "Decora" is a Leviton brand trademark term often used interchangeably with the term "rocker".
Inserts and modular frames allow you to install screwless covers over other devices, such as toggle light switches or phone/cable jacks.
Here are examples of several rocker electrical devices that fit into screw-free covers:
Switch / Stacked Switch / Combo Outlet / GFCI Outlet / Slide Dimmer / Rocker Dimmer
And, using inserts, blank dummy switches or modular frames, here are more options:
Rocker inserts convert openings to fit other devices & jacks.
Learn more about & purchase switch plate inserts here.
SHEEN VARIATIONS OF SCREWLESS PLATES:
The first difference between these 3 manufacturers is the sheen of the covers.
Pass & Seymour has a satin finish, Touch-Plate Ultra is very matte, and Lutron is high gloss (which the exception of Lutron's Midnight Satin Black, Hot Satin Red & Palladium Satin Gray).
SIZE VARIATIONS OF SCREWLESS COVERS:
Lutron's covers are the smallest, measuring 2-15/16" wide by 4-11/16 high.
Touch-Plate Ultra and Pass & Seymour's covers are both 3-1/8" wide & 1/4" deep, with P&S's being slightly taller at 4-15/16" high.
For reference, a standard rocker plate with screws is smaller: 2-3/4" wide, 4-1/2" high and only 5/32" deep. The screwless plates cover more of the wall space around the devices, but the cutout is the same size as any standard cover.
Covers are available in sizes from 1-gang (covers 1 device) up to 6-gang (covers 6 devices in same electrical box). Sizes vary by brand:
LUTRON:
1-6 Gang 6 Finishes Gloss
1-3 Gang 2 Finishes Satin
PASS & SEYMOUR LEGRAND:
1-6 Gang 1 Finish Satin
1-6 Gang 2 Finishes Metallic
TOUCH-PLATE ULTRA:
1-2 Gang 4 Finishes Matte
VISIBLE SEAMS ALONG SCREWLESS PLATE EDGES:
These covers each look different when viewed from the side.
One reason is because each manufacturer has a different sub-plate style that the cover snaps into.
Lutron's sub-plate is the same size as the cover, which is why you'll see a very noticeable seam between the cover and the subplate once it's installed.
Pass & Seymour's covers snap into much smaller sub-plates. But the edges do have a seam and taper back as they meet the wall (in a reverse bevel).
As mentioned briefly above, Touch-Plate is a low voltage lighting system brand. These snap-on screwless covers are part of their Ultra line (and are typically purchased to cover special Ultra low voltage light switches in older homes that have 2-wire 28V momentary switches instead of standard 120/277 volt light switches).
However, they can be purchased to use with any standard rocker device or insert if you like the sleek matte finish and smooth edges with no visible seams. Just know that they only come in 1 or 2 gang sizes.
FINISHES BY MANUFACTURER:
Another thing to consider is the color of your devices (and desired plate color or sheen).
All three manufacturer's have a different shade of white in addition to differences in sheen (no-shine matte vs. high-shine gloss). Take into consideration if your devices are gloss verses satin.
Note that standard devices don't come "matte", so if you buy a Touch Plate cover your switches will have more shine to them even if they are satin.
Each brand offers different finishes to complicate things even further.
Here are your finish options for each brand:
Lutron has its standard line of gloss covers (to match their gloss devices sold here), as well as specialty satin red and black finishes (which also have matching satin devices from Lutron).
White / Almond / Gray / Ivory / Brown / Black
Sizes: 1-6 Gang
Hot Satin Red / Midnight Satin Black
Sizes: 1-3 Gang
White / Almond / Ivory / Black
Sizes: 1-2 Gang
Satin White / Metallic Dark Bronze / Metallic Nickel
INSTALLED SCREWLESS COVERS:
Here, we're sharing some installed covers for inspiration.
Pass & Seymour's metallic nickel receptacle and screwless cover installed in a mirror backsplash in a kitchen in Dallas, Texas:
Lutron's satin midnight black outlet cover at a Napa Valley, California winery:
Lutron's GFCI receptacle in a glossy ivory Lutron screwless wallplate installed on a black granite tile bathroom wall at a resort on the island of Kauai:
White Pass & Seymour single rocker screwless cover with locator light on wallpaper in newly renovated California hotel bathroom:
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Seasonal Dimmer Knobs - Choose a Color + Design
Get decorative rotary dimmer knobs with designs for each holiday or season.
Seasonal dimmer knobs are a fun & inexpensive way to decorate your wall plate.
At Kyle Switch Plates, our decorative round knobs come with etched metal embellishments showcasing Kyle's own unique artwork. Her artistic designs are etched in silver, gold, brass or copper, then molded to fit the curved face of the knob.
Some popular seasonal design choices are the sun, leaf and snowflake dimmers.
But Kyle has 100s of design choices, so pick your favorite season or holiday and create a decorative knob that you'll enjoy.
Our unique knobs come in 18 colors including white, ivory, black, bronze, gray, red and antique brass. (Some finishes are spray painted to allow for more finish options.)
Different brand dimmers have slightly different stem styles, so before placing an order, be sure to pop your old knob off the stem and see which brand you have.
We have knobs to fit Leviton, Lutron and GE dimmers.
Shop decorative dimmer knobs.
Seasonal dimmer knobs are a fun & inexpensive way to decorate your wall plate.
At Kyle Switch Plates, our decorative round knobs come with etched metal embellishments showcasing Kyle's own unique artwork. Her artistic designs are etched in silver, gold, brass or copper, then molded to fit the curved face of the knob.
Some popular seasonal design choices are the sun, leaf and snowflake dimmers.
But Kyle has 100s of design choices, so pick your favorite season or holiday and create a decorative knob that you'll enjoy.
Our unique knobs come in 18 colors including white, ivory, black, bronze, gray, red and antique brass. (Some finishes are spray painted to allow for more finish options.)
Different brand dimmers have slightly different stem styles, so before placing an order, be sure to pop your old knob off the stem and see which brand you have.
Shop decorative dimmer knobs.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Creating Accessible Light Switches in Your Home
Easily make residential light switches more accessible for people in wheel chairs as well as for shorter individuals such as children.
Adding a light switch extension handle is quick and makes it possible for those who can't reach a standard height light switch to gain independence.
Extension handles can be used on toggle switches or Decora rocker switches as well as with compatible dimmer switches and fan controls.
EXTENSIONS FOR TOGGLE SWITCHES & DIMMERS:
Toggle switch extensions are held in place with screws and allow the switch to easily be toggled up or down to control the lights from a seated or low position.
They don't require any additional holes be drilled in order to be installed. The screws used to attach the handle replace the screws that would otherwise hold the switchplate to the wall.
To use with a toggle dimmer switch, it's best to be sure the dimmer doesn't have a preset lever to the side of switch, as it won't be accessible behind the extension handle.
See how the handle prevents access to the dimmer lever:
HANDLES THAT REACH DECORA ROCKER DEVICES:
An adapter can be added to the above toggle handle to make it compatible with Decora rocker switches and dimmers.
When you use the adhesive rocker adapter, you'll stick the handle to the switch directly rather than using screws to mount to the wall plate.
There are many styles of dimmers that fit rocker wall plates. If you intend to use your handle with a rocker dimmer, be sure it's like examples #3 shown below.
Examples #1 & #2: The small slider knob and switch underneath make it difficult to add an accessibility handle.
Example #3: The rocker style paddle switch on this dimmer is only slightly narrower than a standard Decora rocker switch. You can position the adhesive adapter onto the switch while leaving the side dimming lever unobstructed. You can purchase these compatible dimmer switches here.
Now you can make it convenient for toddlers, small children and disabled residents to access the lights themselves while living in or visiting your home. Add to a main residence, guest house, in-law unit, or vacation rental property.
Adding a light switch extension handle is quick and makes it possible for those who can't reach a standard height light switch to gain independence.
Extension handles can be used on toggle switches or Decora rocker switches as well as with compatible dimmer switches and fan controls.
EXTENSIONS FOR TOGGLE SWITCHES & DIMMERS:
Toggle switch extensions are held in place with screws and allow the switch to easily be toggled up or down to control the lights from a seated or low position.
They don't require any additional holes be drilled in order to be installed. The screws used to attach the handle replace the screws that would otherwise hold the switchplate to the wall.
To use with a toggle dimmer switch, it's best to be sure the dimmer doesn't have a preset lever to the side of switch, as it won't be accessible behind the extension handle.
See how the handle prevents access to the dimmer lever:
HANDLES THAT REACH DECORA ROCKER DEVICES:
When you use the adhesive rocker adapter, you'll stick the handle to the switch directly rather than using screws to mount to the wall plate.
There are many styles of dimmers that fit rocker wall plates. If you intend to use your handle with a rocker dimmer, be sure it's like examples #3 shown below.
Examples #1 & #2: The small slider knob and switch underneath make it difficult to add an accessibility handle.
Example #3: The rocker style paddle switch on this dimmer is only slightly narrower than a standard Decora rocker switch. You can position the adhesive adapter onto the switch while leaving the side dimming lever unobstructed. You can purchase these compatible dimmer switches here.
Now you can make it convenient for toddlers, small children and disabled residents to access the lights themselves while living in or visiting your home. Add to a main residence, guest house, in-law unit, or vacation rental property.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
A Guide to Despard Switches, Wall Plates & Mounting Brackets
Despard Electrical Devices:
Switches:
-15A & 20A
-120/277V
-single pole & 3-way
-fit 1-3 switches in a single gang of box
-may have the brand "Leviton" etched across the switch
Pilot Lights:
-1/25W
-125V
-illuminates when controlled lighting is turned on
Outlets:
-15A
-125V
-sold with or without grounding wire
Shop Despard Switches & Outlets
Leviton Toggle Switches:
Your Despard toggle light switches may have the brand Leviton etched on the tip of the toggle.
Other common manufacturers are Bryant and Sierra.
Pass & Seymour now manufactures them, and replacement Despard switches can be purchased here.
Nutone Light, Vent & Heat Bathroom Switches:
Bathroom light, vent and heat systems by Nutone also use Despard switches, straps and covers.
If you're looking for parts like this, see our post about Nutone bathroom switch & cover replacements.
Low Voltage Switches with Despard Shape:
Sierra low voltage systems also have Despard style light switches - 3A, 24V tigger switches.
These low voltage Sierra switches (now manufactured by Pass & Seymour) mount with the same bracket & covers as standard 120 volt Despard switches.
Shop replacement Sierra parts here.
How to Mount Despard Devices in an Electrical Box:
Electrical Box Straps:
Unlike standard toggle light switches, Despard toggles need extra hardware to mount into an electrical box.
The brackets (also called straps) are made to hold the switch vertically or horizontally in the box.
Note that the vertical strap holds only 1 switch per "gang" (or slot in the box), while the horizontal strap holds up to 3 switches.
The horizontal strap can hold 1, 2 or 3 switches.
Simply leave the slots that you don't need empty.
Your wall plates may be positioned vertically (as shown above) or horizontally (as shown below), which you need to note before choosing a new bracket for these switches.
Rotated vertical & horizontal Despard wall plate installations.
The switches are positioned in the straps to flip side-to-side (in horizontal straps) or up/down (in vertical straps) if the wall plates are installed on the wall vertically, like this:
Vertically installed wall plate with 3 horizontal switches.
Uses horizontal mounting strap.
Buy horizontal straps and vertical straps at Kyle Switch Plates.
Attaching Switches to Straps:
To install the switch (or outlet) into the Despard strap, note that the curved edge of the strap will face up (outward when screwed into the electrical box).
On one side of the strap's opening for the switch, there is a lip that fits into the casing on the side of the device.
Position the strap over the device and press down firmly on each side until device is fully inside the opening.
Now you need to secure the device into the strap using a screwdriver.
Place the end of a screwdriver into one of the slots to the side of the device and twist to bend the strap inward.
The metal should now be pressed up against the device, holding it securely into the strap.
Once all your devices are snug in the strap, you can mount the strap into the electrical box and cover with the coordinating wall plate.
Covers for Despard Switches & Outlets:
As mentioned above, wall plates for Despard devices may be installed horizontally or vertically on the wall.
Left: Wall Plate mounted horizontal.
Right: Wall Plate mounted vertical.
Despard Plates for Horizontal Straps:
Despard Plates for Vertical Straps:
There are a variety of configurations for Despard electrical components.
Shop Despard Switch Plates to order replacement covers online.
Kyle Switch Plates sells new Despard lighting switches, outlets, mounting hardware and cover plates. Wall plates are available in a variety of specialty finishes & are made in the USA.
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