A goof plate is an oversize or jumbo wall plate, roughly 3/8 to 3/4 inch larger in width and height than standard, used when the drywall cut around a box is too big for a normal plate to cover. It is a trim-out fix for a rough-in or drywall mistake and comes for switches, receptacles and multi-gang layouts. Code limits gaps around a box in drywall to 1/8 inch, so a big hole needs patching even when a plate hides it.
Drywall guys cut that hole with a hammer, throw a goof plate on it for now and tell the super.
Also heard as
- jumbo plate
- oversize plate
Related terms
Goof ring
Box extension ring that brings a box set too deep back out flush with the finished wall surface.
Trim-out
Final stage of electrical work after walls are finished: installing devices, plates, fixtures and breakers.
Mud ring
Raised cover that screws onto a square box and gives a flush opening for devices in drywall or plaster.