toothbrush charger in shaver only plug

[mollykins]

I now have an electric toothbrush, bu thte charger for it has a 2 pronged, rounded plug, of which there is a suitable (i think) socket for, in the bathroom. But the socket says razors only, but i see no other way of charging it.

Plus the house must have been built 20-25 years ago, so were there even any electric toothbrushes about?

So is it all right to use the socket? I know the socket can't distingush between a razor and toothbrush, but is it too do with the volts or amps?

[KARL]

The main reason why the socket is labelled for shavers only is that it is to be load limited at around 1 ampere. There is absolutely no reason why such a socket won't stand having a charger, any charger within reason, plugged into it. The socket is not earth protected but that should not be of concern because even if you were to somehow contrive to get one ampere at 230 volts into you you would get a surprise but not come to any harm unless you are particularly susceptible (but don't try it though). Lots of countries have ordinary sockets fitted in bathrooms and historically there have been a lot of UK-specific (some would say eccentric) things regarding electricity and plumbing, the ceiling string switch being one. Many of these have already largely been swept away by an invasion of alien concepts (the combi boiler being one, toilet flushing mechanisms another) which were religiously banished before (highly dangerous, won't work, unthinkable).

[Prudie]

Ahh the voice of reason Albags, if i had to charge my toothbrush in the bedroom or kitchen I wouldn't bother.

[AlBags]

What ... wouldn't bother brushing your teeth!?

lol : )

[Prudie]

I realised that interpretation after I'd posted!

[AlBags]

Quite.

: )

[mollykins]

OOps, i forgot to tell you guys that it worked and charged the brush and nothing exploded or electricuted me.

[Captain22]

Although the two pin charger plus will fit in the 230V shaver socket, bathroom shaver sockets are supplied by a low power safety transformer behind the plate. Most toothbrush chargers will overload the transformer and cause overheating and possibily a fire, also the toothbrush is unlikely to fully charge.

There are some shaver sockets which can charge a toothbrush and these will not be labelled "Shavers Only" - these will be newer units and cost - £50 - £80, if you are not paying this for one then it is no good

"Shavers Only" means exactly what it says!!

[Captain22]

Sorry to clarify if your charger is 240 or 230v then use the 230v pins in the socket - try it for a while if you want but do not leave it unattended. Check the socket after an hour - if it is warm or hot the charger is drawing too much amps and the transformer is overheating- you may find that your toothbrush has not charged. Warning the socket is not fuse protected.