Ensure Clear Plastic Covers for Wall Outlets
Wall outlet covers must be transparent plastic to visually inspect without obstruction.
Plain language
Using clear plastic covers for wall outlets means you can see what’s going on inside without taking things apart. This is important because if you can't easily inspect these outlets, hidden problems might go unnoticed, leading to potential security risks or safety hazards.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Nov 2019
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Cabling infrastructureTopic
Wall Outlet Box CoversOfficial control statement
Wall outlet box covers are clear plastic.
Why it matters
Opaque wall outlet covers can hide tampering or damage, increasing the risk of unnoticed security breaches or safety hazards.
Operational notes
Inspect outlet box covers during routine checks to confirm they are clear plastic and intact; replace any that are painted, clouded, cracked or missing.
Implementation tips
- The facilities manager should ensure all wall outlets have clear plastic covers. They can do this by checking each outlet in the building and replacing any that are not transparent with clear covers.
- The procurement team should order transparent plastic covers for outlets as part of their regular maintenance supply orders. They can find these covers through office supply vendors and make sure they are suited for the specific type of outlets used in the organisation.
- The maintenance team should periodically inspect the clear plastic outlet covers to ensure they are still intact and clear. They can set a regular schedule, such as every six months, to walk through the facility and check each cover for cracks or dirt that might obstruct visibility.
- Office managers should educate staff about the importance of these clear covers during new employee orientations. They can do this by including a brief explanation of the covers' role in facility safety and security in orientation materials.
- The IT team should work with the facilities manager to ensure any network equipment connected through these outlets is easily visible. They can label cables and connections clearly so that anyone inspecting the outlet box can quickly verify what is in use.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskA list of all outlets in the building and their current cover status GoodWill list 100% of outlets equipped with clear plastic covers
- GoodRecord shows recent purchase orders matching the number of outlets
- AskTo see the maintenance log for outlet inspections GoodLog shows frequent checks and timely correction of any issues
- GoodSession includes clear, accurate information about their importance
- AskTo see records of IT and facilities team discussions regarding outlet visibility. Review emails or meeting notes for references to collaboration efforts GoodRecord includes decisions made on maintaining clear visibility of equipment connections
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1109 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| layers Partially meets (1) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 7.8 | ISM-1109 requires wall outlet box covers to be clear plastic so the contents of the outlet box can be visually inspected for tampering or... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.