what were those little electrical switches called?

Question

They were little 1" x 3/4" (approximately) switches that you slipped into a metal bracket and used a small blade screwdriver to bend a retaining tab into the frame of the switch. I have one wall outlet, with 3 of those little switches. don't think they are made anymore and it would be a pain to change them out to newer.

But...reason I'm searching is I need a brass switch plate to cover them. the standard 4.5" x 2.75" plate with those 3 little holes. The plate would be mounted horizontally, the 3 switches would be vertical.

I've searched the fancy cover plate sites with no joy.

All the covers in the house are shiny brass except for this old cheap plastic cover that customer wants to replace.

Warren Weber · Accepted Answer

They were called "Despard" they are still available. WW

Doug Miller · Answer

They're called "Despard" switches, and they are still made. As far as I know, Menards is the only one of the major home center stores to carry them. You might try at Ace or TrueValue hardware stores, or search online.

PanHandler · Answer

They were and still are called Menard switches.

gfretwell · Answer

Now you can get a "Decora" unit with 3 switches in a single yoke.

maradcliff · Answer

You can still get them. Try an ACE Hardware, or Menards. Both have them. I have used them, the switches and pilot lights are good, the outlets were only 2 prong and I dont see where a ground prong ccould be put. But yes, you can still get them.

Even though I used them, I never knew what they were called.

PS. Electrical supply houses might be another source, including the online ones.

Mark

maradcliff · Answer

Menard switches ?????  You're joking !!!Unless you buy them at Menards, right?They are not called that on the web link you posted.

NoSpam99989 · Answer

They were called "despard" switches.  They are still manufactured andavailable.  Google gives 600 hits for	despard switch

NoSpam99989 · Answer

I should have added that there are switches and pilot lights and other devices that fin any three per gang.

Googling for despard brass plate gives 810 hits including the only

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is a solid brass plate. This is the only link I followed, but I am sure there are other sources too.

Mark Lloyd · Answer

That's what I did when I had some of those little switches that I needed to replace. I found them at the local Lowe's. You can get either a double or a triple switch. These are one piece with one terminal common for all switches.

PanHandler · Answer

LOL - My keyboard read my mind wrong.

mm · Answer

I've found that adding     shipping     to the google is a good way tofind pages that sell things.Remove NOPSAM to email me.  Please letme know if you have posted also.

what were those little electrical switches called?

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