Quick Question RE: Shaving Socket + Adapter

samhale86 · Apr 10, 2011

Hi,

Quick question from a electrical dummy.

Are UK shaver sockets, and EU plug sockets, the same? Or, in other words, and more specific to my requirements, will this adapter - Universal Adaptor with 3 Pin UK into 2 Pin Plug: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics - allow me to plug a UK standard plug into the shaving socket?

In the comments someone says;

"It includes a UK 2 pin shaver plug connection."

Which is a little confusing, but suggests it might?

Many thanks.

roukel01 · Apr 10, 2011

UK Shaver plugs sockets. Looks like a Euro Plug but in fact it was not derived from the Euro plug at all, but was a legacy from the obsolete 2 pin 5 amperes plug used in Britain in the 1920s and 1930s but still prevalent, especially in bathrooms, as late as the 1960s. It has 0.2 in (5.08 mm) diameter pins 5⁄8 in (15.88 mm) apart, and the sockets for this plug are often designed to accept unearthed CEE 7/16, US or Australian plugs as well. Sockets are often able to supply either 230 V or 115 V.

Euro plugs have 4mm pins which is why the are slack in a shaver socket.

samhale86 · Apr 10, 2011

So, it might work, but be slack?

Is there such a thing as a UK shaver socket to UK plug socket?

I can find plenty of vice versa.

Thanks for your post.

pushrod · Apr 10, 2011

If i understand what you are asking correctly, then answer should be no. A standard uk plug would accept an appliance requiring an earth (third pin) since a shaver socket does not provide an earth you should not get anything that could adapt the shaver socket to 3 pin ( even if it did allow for different voltage)

edit :I am surprised that the adaptor in your link is so readily available as it allows an appliance requiring an earth to be used without one.

roukel01 · Apr 10, 2011

Euro 2 pin plugs will work, but I wouldn't bother. I think you will struggle to find an adaptor

telectrix · Apr 10, 2011

[ElectriciansForums.net] Quick Question RE: Shaving Socket + Adapter

or buy one of these

mayfair · Apr 10, 2011

Cut th e plug off !!!!!!!!!!!! and put another one on. As oposed to sticking the leads in with matchsticks

telectrix · Apr 10, 2011

if they're loose, wrap a bit of smoke packet silver foil round the pins. it works on plug top fuses. LOL.

alex trician · Apr 10, 2011

Shaver sockets are for shavers and when in bathrooms and shower rooms electric can get messy so I think that why you don't get an off the shelf adaptor. Don't think the transformer in the shaver socket would run hair dryer long. You would soon have a smoked unit.