How does shaver socket work

Before the invention and widespread use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter GFCI devices in the last few decades, there was great concern about providing electrical power near water for fear of electrocution. An electrical outlet in the bathroom was an accident waiting to happen. Since the volt systems common outside North America increase the danger of electrical shock, many of these countries adopted a special low-power outlet for bathroom use. UK sockets are supposed to limit output to just mA, while other standards allow a range of 20 to 40 Watts which is pretty much the same thing in different units.

One more thing: Although these outlets step the voltage down to V, they do not modify the frequency. So shaver outlets in countries with 50 Hz power systems will have the odd V, 50 Hz combination.

Pages: [ 1 ] Go Down. Why are Shaver Sockets in the Bathroom Safe? You can't have normal plug sockets in a bathroom in some countries, owing to the risk of electrocution, but you can have shaver 2-pin sockets. These are usually conveniently positioned right above the wash basin, so it shouldn't be too difficult to drop the electrical gadget i. Are they wired or limited differently to make them safe? Another reason why I prefer a wet shave.

Does that make a difference? They use a so-called isolating transformer. Your body is connected to 'earth', through your feet. If you touch the live wire of a normal electrical supply you get the full mains voltage V relative to earth across you and if you touch the neutral wire you only have a few volts about zero relative to earth.

With an isolating transformer, the wires are 'floating'. There is still the full mains voltage between them but they are both 'isolated' from earth. This socket design is most commonly seen in the United Kingdom and some parts of Europe, and has been largely replaced by the ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI socket. It is possible to use these types of sockets for replacement of old sockets or installation in a new bathroom design, but usually a GFCI socket is more appropriate.

The newer socket style may also be required under the building code. The bathroom shaver socket is mounted in an isolation transformer that cuts it off from the rest of the electrical system. This limits the risk of electrical shock, a concern in the bathroom where lots of water can be present. In addition, the current is very low. It will power a shaver or electric toothbrush, but not an item like a heater or a hair dryer.

The circuit will shut down if it gets too hot, thus keeping the user as safe as possible.