Is a shaver plug the same fitting as a euro plug?

[airbrakes]

random question, but would a 2-pin mains shaver socket accept a euro 2-pin mains appliance plug? I know they look the same, but is the diameter and spacing of the pins the same as well?

[beancaker]

Yes, but they have limited amperage for safety reasons. Don't try smelting aluminium off one.

[Glosphil]

But a shaver plug won't fit into a Euro socket. I've tried and had to let my beard grow for 10 days.

[airbrakes]

Thanks guys. Sadly the euro female to 3 pin male adaptor wouldnt be much use for my situation. basically, I have just bought a corded 1000w steam cleaner to use in the bathroom, but the only sockets in my room are miles over on the other side of the bedroom that the bathroom is attatched to. The bathroom has a shaver socket in it, so I was going to try and plug the cleaner into that via a uk female-euro male adaptor. So if, as you say, it fits... would it work?

[Norwegian Blue]

No, pin diameter is almost identical but spacing is different. The UK shaver plug is slightly narrower. The UK shaver standard is based on the old 5A round pin plug, with a complicated transformer in the socket to protect us from the perils of electricity in bathrooms, something they don't seem to have a problem with anywhere else.

If you're using a UK appliance abroad you can use a UK to EU plug adapter as most have the round pin spacing on them. I've never seen an EU to UK bathroom adapter.

Ooh look, first post. Not a proper lurker any more. Had to happen sooner or later, I suppose.

[airbrakes]

Norwegian Blue said:

No, pin diameter is almost identical but spacing is different. The UK shaver plug is slightly narrower. The UK shaver standard is based on the old 5A round pin plug, with a complicated transformer in the socket to protect us from the perils of electricity in bathrooms, something they don't seem to have a problem with anywhere else.

If you're using a UK appliance abroad you can use a UK to EU plug adapter as most have the round pin spacing on them. I've never seen an EU to UK bathroom adapter.

Ooh look, first post. Not a proper lurker any more. Had to happen sooner or later, I suppose.

Top lurking!


So, technically....... if the shaver plug is based on the old BS546 plug, if I could find a round to square pin adaptor I could use that instead?
Alternatively, I dont suppose the spacing on an Asian 2 pin plug happens to match a shaver socket?

Or maybe I should just cut the 3 pin plug off and wire a shaver plug onto it, then use a readily available shaver to mains adaptor should I ever want to use it outside of the bathroom?

Edited by airbrakes on Monday 4th November 01:39

[Norwegian Blue]

Just remembered an added complication: more than one continental standard...

I don't think the shaver plug will take the ~4.5A you'd want to put through it but I haven't got one here to check. It might say on the front. In practice a standard plug and extension will be cheaper, easier and more versatile.

[karona]

The shaver socket will have a mains isolation transformer inside, that's what makes it safe to use in a bathroom. 1000 watts will fry the transformer, if there's no safety cutout inside. Either way your appliance won't work.

[hairyben]

buy a 13amp plug or even easier one of these and an extension lead

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLEC13AB.html...


like said shaver point in a bathroom should have a isolating transformer that'll handle about 20VA max.

[Shaw Tarse]

Mat, is the cleaner wearing a normal 3 pin plug?

[airbrakes]

Thanks for the replies guys. In the end, I gave up trying to fk about with adaptors and bit the bullet on buying a very long single plug extension cord

[metromartin]

Sorry to bring up and old topic from ten years ago.
I was wondering if you could get a shaver socket to USB adaptor. Ie to charge a mobile phone? Has a quick look on ebay but getting totally confused if its for a UK shaver socket or european plug as the pins look identical however believe the distance between the pins is slightly different?
Something like this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165649701614

Thanks

[Mr Pointy]

EU pin spacing is not the same but it's only 2-3mm diferent - have you tried a Euro plug in the shaver outlet as some are universal & can take either plug.