Credit: Arnev Products

Make a fashion statement with black electrical outlets, flip switches, toggle switches, dimmer switches, switch plates, phone jacks, cable jacks and outlet covers. Since the eye is drawn to lighter colors, black or dark products will blend into the background when the surrounding area is also dark. Designers and property owners alike may want to choose a black electrical outlet or switch rather than white or almond when the wall color is dark. Black electrical outlets, switches and covers might also be used to coordinate with marble, tile or granite countertops and backsplashes.

Switches, covers and outlets come in a variety of colors including white, almond, gray, brown and ivory. Appropriate for residential, commercial and industrial purposes, products such as black electrical outlets and switches hide dirt like grease smears and fingerprints. This advantage might be particularly useful in a mechanic’s garage or other location where grease and dirt are common. Such environments will appear less grimy if greasy smears are not obvious in common areas.

As an example of cost, a black electrical outlet, duplex 20A, costs about $3.50 at Kyle Designs. A similar black electrical outlet 15A at Lowes sells for $4.78, while a white 15A duplex receptacle sells for $3.

Note that in August 2009 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled remote switches manufactured in China by Woodstock International. "The recalled product is a remote dust collector switch, which remotely turns on and off a woodworking dust collector. The product is a black electrical outlet box that comes with two hand-held remote controls. The electrical outlet box has a label that reads 'Remote Dust Collector Switch.' Both the electrical box and remote controls have 'Shop Fox' molded into the plastic on the top side of the product. Model numbers D3038 & D3346 were printed on the carton but not on the remote control unit. The recalled switches measure 4 and 13/16" long by 3 and 7/16" wide." If you have this product, call the company’s hot line at 1-800-840-8420. The switch overheats and may be a fire hazard.

However, color has nothing to do with function. Consider choosing black electrical outlets, switches or plates when the installation will be on a black wall or surface. Move away from builder standard colors such as white and almond to give your room a custom look. Black electrical outlets and plates may also be a good choice for areas prone to grease.