Shaver sockets

[fbg40]

I want to wire in a shaver socket in my bathroom. I understand it is ok to use the lighting circuit - is this correct ? If so, can I presume that I can just tee into a live, as per a switch ? If not, can anybody help - please !!!

[drbsparks]

Yes you can use the lighting circuit as shaver units use only a small amount of power. However, please ensure the unit you purchase has an integral transformer to reduce the operating voltage. If you use the type without the transformer you are not allowed to install it inside a bathroom or shower room. Also be aware that you will need to pick up a permanent live as well as neutral and earth from the lighting circuit. If you only pick up a switch live then the unit will only work if the light is on. As always if you are in the slightest doubt install the help of an electrician.

[peanut]

drbsparks,

       is that the same as a ground fault interrupter, so that if it gets wet it immediately turns off? also about that white wire issue in a previous thread, we do use white in the usa.

[drbsparks]

Peanut - as this is a uk site I've answered the question based on uk electrics. I realise that in the usa you have a different system. 120V approx being supplied from a transformer prior to the distribution board in a house. I believe your white wire is the neutral (ours used to be black now its blue). A ground fault interrupter sounds like our RCD or residual current device. The shaver socket with the transformer does not need this as the voltage has been reduced down to a safe level but apart from this the outlet should be splashproof anyway for obvious reasons. Sorry if I've got to technical and bored the pants off everyone.

[Tweed]

The idea of the transformer in UK shaver sockets is not to reduce the voltage, but to isolate the voltage from the main supply, therefore an isolating transformer is used, which has the same number of windings on primary and secondary cores. Having said that, a 120V supply is sometimes tapped from this which gives the option of using different shavers.