shavers only ! toothbrush charging debate.

[NICKYNUNN]

Hi all, I'm trying to get a clear answer regarding whether or not you can use a shaver point to charge an electric toothbrush.
The main opinions I've collected so far are
1. You can't, they are not designed for long periods of use which electric toothbrush charging would require.
2. You can, the "shaver only" notice is just to stop people trying to plug in euro 2 pin hairdryers etc.
Ive seen an MK shaver point with symbols suggesting you can use it for both shavers and electric toothbrushes, not sure how this unit differentiates itself electrically from most other "shaver only" products on the market.
It has been hard to find a solid answer from a respectable source regarding this.
Any opinions?

 

[freddo]

It's fine, you can plug in whatever you like as long as you don't exceed the 20VA rating of the sockets transformer.

1. You can't, they are not designed for long periods of use which electric toothbrush charging would require.

What about rechargeable shavers...

 

[NICKYNUNN]

It's fine, you can plug in whatever you like as long as you don't exceed the 20VA rating of the sockets transformer.

What about rechargeable shavers...

Thanks for reply. I'm guessing that those that say it's not suitable for recharging toothbrushes are also saying it's not suitable for charging shavers? They might think it is only suitable to plug your shaver in on the curly cord, have a shave then unplug? There was a surprising amount of difference in opinion when I looked into it :/

 

[westward10]

No you should use a socket which indicates it is suitable for both such as this.

MK Shaver Socket

20VA

www.toolstation.com

 

[freddo]

No you should use a socket which indicates it is suitable for both such as this.

I contacted one manufacturer last year and they stated both shavers and toothbrushes were ok to use on their sockets that displayed shavers only.

 

[westward10]

Shaver sockets are generally not happy being left energised for a long duration and the same applies to the charging of both shavers and toothbrushes. The original intention of a shaver socket was that it was used for a short duration whilst the shaver was in use before the days of rechargeable units but it is possible manufacturers realise this and changed the design so it probably may not matter.

 

[NICKYNUNN]

Shaver sockets are generally not happy being left energised for a long duration and the same applies to the charging of both shavers and toothbrushes. The original intention of a shaver socket was that it was used for a short duration whilst the shaver was in use before the days of rechargeable units but it is possible manufacturers realise this and changed the design so it probably may not matter.

So it still looks like a very grey area, I have written to the NICEIC to get there opinion and I will try and contact MK (Honeywell?) and see what makes their shaver socket with the toothbrush symbol different to the shaver only sockets...if indeed it is any different.

 

[timhoward]

It's an interesting question. Crabtree make two ranges, one saying Shavers Only, one not.
Both state they comply with BS EN 61558-2-5, so obviously both have an isolating transformer in them.

Regarding the first range, Crabtree have previously said:
"Hello. We would not advise the use of electronic toothbrushes in our shaver supply units for the sole reason of the British Standard that we have tested them to (BS EN 61558-2-5). The standard does not require the testing of other electronic devices so we cannot assure any compatibility with our product unless specifically rated for the input/output of 115/230V. Thank you for your interest in our Crabtree brand".

The range that doesn't say "shavers only" clearly states it has a transformer rated at 20VA on the datasheet and this seems to be the key difference.
There's also an MK unit that actually shows a toothbrush on the faceplate and this also states it has a 20VA rated transformer.
Spot the price difference!

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/mk-al...ts/222ff#product_additional_details_container

So it probably simply comes down to cheaper transformers with thinner windings in the other products, that would get rather hot / overheat if loads are connected for sustained periods.
This could all do with being made a little bit clearer for the average punter though, as not many will take any notice of "shavers only" - it's the right size and shape so it will work, right?!

 

[littlespark]

What defines “long term use” with charging a toothbrush? Mine can be plugged in for a number of hours.
No difference than a rechargeable shaver… not that I use one now.

So the “shavers only” label means only corded shavers, being plugged in and used for maybe 5 minutes?

If this is the case, the toothbrush and cordless shaver people should have designed the chargers with standard 3 pin plugs for use outside of a bathroom.

 

[catdog1121]

Aren't electric tooth brushes designed to be plugged into shaver sockets?.. I have been plugging in an electric tooth brush for the last 25yrs with no problems..

I also have a rechargeable shaver that I leave in for extended periods, never been a problem..