Sockets in Bathrooms

The cost savings on an autotransformer are really not worth the hassle at this scale, if its UK certified it will be to spec

We had our bathroom renovated a few years ago. The cabinet they installed over the sink has two shaver sockets and two USB A sockets

--- now I know why.

Here is the data sheet for the toothbrush chargers, it is approved for zone

No.

It has - by legal requirement - to isolate the 100v mains output socket (the one the shaver is plugged into) so that a fault in the appliance will not cause a shock to a holder who is connected to earth.

Ooops! Forgot the link

Also,

Q: Can this be installed in a bathroom?

A: Hello. Thank you for your question. Please note this product is rated IP00 (due to the USB ports). It must be installed in the "Outside Zones" away from direct water, splashes and moisture exposure, for example within a bathroom cabinet.

Answer from Knightsbridge Support (the manufacturer)

Braun (Oral B) and Phillips wireless charging have different size holes in the toothbrushes to fit over the charger. The Braun will fit a Phillis charger and charge but not visa-versa. The Braun will not be very stable in a Phillips charger.

I also note that some of these chargers say that they only support a limited range of the Braun (Oral B) products.

The Knightbridge versions are only IP00 rated because of the USB sockets. They are not splash proof or moisture resistant.

Why is USB a problem? It's only 5V.

IP00 wouldn't be safe anywhere. That implies that it has 50mm or more holes in it. Anything carrying mains power needs to be IP2X (finger-proof) at least.

Mike

I did not say they fitted Phillips only Braun and OralB branded toothbrushes. The Proofvision chargers will charge models 2 to 6 in the iO range.

I haven't taken it apart, but the renovation was done by a reputable firm and their electrician seemed to know what he was doing (e.g., placement of ceiling lights).

The cabinet has a "box" inside each bottom corner; each box has a shaver socket and a USB A port.

I occasionally use a 2 pin US to UK adaptor in a shaver socket to plug a couple of wall warts supplying a couple of 9 or 12 Volt items ,one is a rechargeable hair trimmer, the other a small (and actually fairly useless )dehumidifier . , both have a plastic pin in the earth position so lack of one on the shaver socket is not an issue. No idea if it breaks any regs but I don’t really see it any more dangerous than using a 240 shaver.

GH

More opportunities for ingress of moisture?

Not enough to be significant, the greater risk would be plugging something in that exceeded the the rating of the isolating transformer . Both the items I mentioned are well within and I’m the only person in the house who uses it so overload isn’t going to happen.

GH