FAQ
Is child safety the only use for Socket Shield?
No! Socket Shield has many uses and benefits. Do you need extra safety in your home, or just something more aesthetically pleasing that covers ugly outlet faces? Socket Shield does both! It proves you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety. Socket Shield’s patented sliding door can lock for extra security, or you can easily adjust it to always be in the bypass mode, meaning it will easily slide open and closed without locking. Whatever you need, Socket Shield has it covered! Learn the difference in the video below!
What’s the difference between Socket Shield Duplex and Decora models?
Socket Shield Duplex is designed to fit a standard, single-gange outlet. This is your typical outlet design where the electrical access points are two separate, circular shapes. Duplex outlet covers can be installed by tightening one screw in the middle of the wall plate.
Socket Shield Decora is designed to fit a GFCI outlet, where the outlet faces are included in one, rectangular space. Decora outlet covers can be installed by tightening two screws, one at the top and bottom of the wall plate.
Will a 3-prong plug unlock the Socket Shield door?
Yes, both a 2-prong and 3-prong plug will unlock the Socket Shield door. If using a 2-prong plug, simply insert both prongs directly into the two keyholes on the door, press down (or up, depending on install direction) to compress the lock and then slide the door half-way open with prongs still inserted. Remove your plug from the door and, using your hand, finish sliding the door fully open. Your outlet is now exposed and ready to use.
When using a 3-prong plug, insert the prongs into the two keyholes on the door at a slight down angle (or up angle, depending on install direction) approximately 45 degrees. The third ‘ground’ prong will NOT be inserted anywhere. Once the two prongs are inserted, press down (or up) to compress the lock and then slide the door half-way open with prongs still inserted. Remove your plug from the door and, using your hand, finish sliding the door fully open. Your outlet is now exposed and ready to use.
Will Socket Shield work on my current outlets?
Yes, Socket Shield is a great and simple way to cover up your existing outlets. They are designed to fit any single-gang standard or GFCI outlet. Installation is easy. No mechanical skills required! Watch our installation video below.
Do I need an electrician to install my Socket Shield outlet cover?
No electrician or mechanical skills are required to install your Socket Shield outlet cover. All you need is a flathead screwdriver. See how easy it is to install. Always remember: Safety First! Before starting, turn off any source of power to your outlet of choice. Replace your existing wall plate with Socket Shield, by first removing any screw(s) holding the existing outlet cover onto the wall. Then lift off the old wall plate. Place Socket Shield directly over your outlet box and simply tighten the supplied screw(s) where directed. Socket Shield Duplex requires one screw and Decora requires two screws. Screws ARE included.
If you are installing them in a “new work” application, you can omit the removal of the old wall plate and get started directly with placing Socket Shield over the outlet box.
Which direction do I install a Socket Shield outlet cover?
Socket Shield can be installed in any direction on your wall or flat surface, but we recommend vertical orientation. You’ll need to allow for enough free wall space on the ‘key hole’ side of the Socket Shield so that the door can slide completely open without anything blocking it. You’ll see two, small rectangular shapes on the face of the door. These are the key holes, where you insert your plug prongs to unlock the door (if needed).
Whatever side the key holes are on after Socket Shield is installed, the door will slide in that direction. For example, if the key holes are in the bottom, left corner, the door will slide open to the left. If the key holes are in the top, right corner, the door will slide open to the right.
You decide what’s best for your space!
Do they come with mounting hardware?
Yes, we provide color-matched screws for mounting/installation. Duplex (1) screw and Decora/GFCI (2) screws.
How do I make my Socket Shield lockable and child-safe?
Included in every Socket Shield is a bypass clip, a small plastic piece shaped like a goal post. The bypass clip allows you to customize the sliding door. To make your Socket Shield LOCKable and child-safe, make sure the bypass clip is NOT in the door. Store the bypass clip in the designated slot on the backside of the wall plate. It fits in there like a puzzle piece. Watch how the bypass clip works.
If you don’t need the additional safety, and want the door to remain unlocked, make sure the bypass clip IS inserted in the designated area on the Socket Shield door. The bypass clip keeps the locking mechanism disengaged, allowing the door to slide open and closed with ease at all times.
If my Socket Shield is locked, how do I open it?
If your Socket Shield is locked, here’s how to open it. The following steps can be applied to both scenarios, if Socket Shield is already installed on a wall, or if you’re simply holding it in your hand.
If using a 2-prong plug, simply insert both prongs directly into the two keyholes on the door, press down (or up, depending on install direction) to compress the lock and then slide the door half-way open with prongs still inserted. Remove your plug from the door and, using your hand, finish sliding the door fully open.
When using a 3-prong plug, insert the prongs into the two keyholes on the door at a slight down angle (or up angle, depending on install direction) approximately 45 degrees. The third ‘ground’ prong will NOT be inserted anywhere. Once the two prongs are inserted, press down (or up) to compress the lock and then slide the door half-way open with prongs still inserted. Remove your plug from the door and, using your hand, finish sliding the door fully open.
If I don’t need Socket Shield’s lockable safety feature, how do I keep it from locking?
Included in every Socket Shield is a bypass clip, a small plastic piece shaped like a goal post. When used correctly the bypass clip compresses the locking mechanism on the sliding door, allowing it to open and close with ease at all times. If you don’t need Socket Shield’s safety feature and want the door to remain UNlocked at all times, make sure the bypass clip IS inserted in the designated area on the Socket Shield door. Remove the bypass clip from its stored position on the backside of the wall plate and press it into the designated area on the backside of the sliding door. It fits in the slot like a puzzle piece. Watch how the bypass clip works (insert link to video here).
Do I get a discount if I buy in bulk?
As a general rule, the more you buy, the more you save on cost per Socket Shield. For example, the 12-pack is more cost efficient, per unit, over the 2-pack. For quantities exceeding 100 we ask you to reach out to us for wholesale pricing details.
What color options are available?
White is currently available to purchase. Additional colors will be available in the near future including Almond, Ivory, Espresso and Matte Black.
Can I paint my Socket Shield?
We do not recommend painting Socket Shield outlet covers. Paint could affect the function of the sliding door. We do have the ability to match our material to most any color with an appropriate order quantity and proper amount of lead-time. Please contact us for details.
Who created Socket Shield?
Socket Shield comes to you from Oliver innovations, a small family-owned business in Midwestern USA.
Where is Socket Shield made?
We are proud to say that Socket Shield is made 100% in the United States! We source the material, packaging, manufacturing, and fulfillment from Midwestern USA.