shaver socket with separate transformer

I managed to getr away with a simple deep backing box. Well tills SHE wanted it moved, then I used a pushfit plastic box and cut a hole in the back where the transformer sticks out.

But of course you could use a remote one I suppose.

Doubt it; but whatever you end up with it will still need to burying surely? A shaver transformer isn't all that much deeper than a conventional plug socket IIRC?

David

Not AFAIK.

The transformer is switched by inserting the shaver plug (why they hum and may overheat if you leave the shaver plugged in). Although it's not impossible to do this with a split design, it's more complex than just a supply to the transformer, then running the output to a minimal socket.

What do you want to run from this?

Most of the things that can be run from these are available in re-chargeable form. Just charge it elsewhere in the house once a week and happily shave/toothbrush/whatever in the bathroom or elsewhere.

Another alternative would be a shaverlight.

I would guess, shaver (recharge sometimes, and for guests) and elec toothbrush, recharge since it won't run off mains.

Yes of course you can. It's a question of convenience like most things in our cushy lives. And while I'm doing the bathroom, may as well kit it out properly. I may only put in one socket though !

No good, since the one my parents have only charged when the light was on. I have never seen a shaverlight that didn't look crap.

Simon.

Assuming you can source the non isolated sockets you want which conform to regs, I think your easiest way would be to buy (cheap) isolated ones as donors for the transformers. CPC, etc, don't appear to sell the transformers on their own - unless I've simply not seen them.

What is the problem with fitting a deeper back box? (they don't need to be taht much deeper than the one required for an non transformed socket)

Try these:

I have one of these, which IMHO doesn't look bad - at least isn't the boxy type which you're probably referring to?

David

We've got our electric toothbrush permanently plugged into one of these

You say that you don't want to cut into the wall (to mount a transformer) but you want a flush mounted socket??? There's got to be something in the wall so it may as well be one of these as they're not much deeper than a normal socket.

John.

You are having a laugh, aren't you?

A standard shaver socket is very low profile (and single sized, rather than double, too).

An isolating shaver outlet is the size of a double decker bus.

Christian.

A non-isolated shaver socket will normally fit within the thickness of plaster, especially if there are tiles. There is no way an isolated type will fit. You're lucky if it doesn't sit in the cavity of the wall.

Christian.

Standalone BS3535 isolating transformers:

Christian.

Note that bonding could become a bit of an issue.

Personally, I would not bond to earth through the supply cable (use 2 core non earthed cable), but would include the fitting in the supplementary equipotential bonding. I have no idea if that is what the regs recommend and you may wish to check with the IET.

Christian.

I have one of these in the bathroom, flush, in a 47mm steel backbox:

ie, not all that much deeper than a conventional plug socket - certainly not so much more as to make it a big issue, anyway. So, still not sure what the OP's problem is?

David

Exactly. A 47mm backbox ensures you need to dig out brick/block/rubble, unlike a non-isolated socket. The double size plate is also less than inconspicuous.

Doesn't want to/can't dig out the wall deeper than the plaster, presumably.

Christian.

Regs give a max rating for a shaver socket. I think it's something like 25VA, but I don't have them on me to check. The regulation is not good -- off-load, they are around

The sockets have a self-resetting thermal trip in the transformer windings, which in effect forms a very slow blow fuse. This might be a requirement of the BS, as they all seem to do it.

So for reasons of convenience, rather than plug it in outside the bathroom, you'd sooner chase out the plaster for wire and backbox, drill into the loft, crawl into the loft and wire up an iso, wire it into a socket in the bathroom, replaster and redecorate it all. Then run your appliances on 240v + upto 20%, at which voltage breakdowns will be a problem.

Maybe I just have a strange idea of convenience.

NT

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