Re: Toothbrush or shaver socket what's involved?

[Mrxman]

Hi There

I am in the middle of a bathroom renovation and was thinking of getting an electrician in to install either a toothbrush charger or shaver socket. I am trying
to figure out beforehand what's the job entails.

I assume they'll need to cut a chase in the wall plus a small hole in ceiling and then connect it to the ceiling led light circuit. Is that correct?

Also would they need to get into the loft or are there other ways? (access is a little tight so would need to prepare)

Any idea how long a job like this would take?

Many thanks?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Simply a twin and earth cable run from your lighting loop-in place (might be the switch, might be the light itself, might be at a junction box up in the loft). Cable then runs to a DEEP box in the wall where the shaver point lives. Chase would go up the wall and into the space above the ceiling.
You lighting circuit needs to be protected by a 30mA RCD. Is it?

How Long is a Chinaman....you need whoverer is going to do the job evaluate it and give you a £.

Also would they need to get into the loft or are there other ways? (access is a little tight so would need to prepare)

Certainly they'd need access to wherever the power is. There are ways, but it depends on so many things. I've seen so many lofts stuffed full of 50 years worth of stuff. Or its boarded over the vital junction box.

 

[Mrxman]

Simply a twin and earth cable run from your lighting loop-in place (might be the switch, might be the light itself, might be at a junction box up in the loft). Cable then runs to a DEEP box in the wall where the shaver point lives. Chase would go up the wall and into the space above the ceiling.
You lighting circuit needs to be protected by a 30mA RCD. Is it?

How Long is a Chinaman....you need whoverer is going to do the job evaluate it and give you a £.

Certainly they'd need access to wherever the power is. There are ways, but it depends on so many things. I've seen so many lofts stuffed full of 50 years worth of stuff. Or its boarded over the vital junction box.

Great stuff, thanks.
Yes the lighting circuit is 30 mA RCD protected. Had the place rewired a few years ago. Should have had the job done then as electrician suggested. You live and learn.

I should be able to create access to the loft by removing a few boxes etc. I like to be prepared

Much appreciated

 

[Rodders53]

Unless you want to use a wired shaver, the shaver socket in a bathroom is pretty much defunct.

Most shavers, hair trimmers and toothbrushes are rechargeable and 2-pin plug in adapters mean they can be charged anywhere convenient and then used in the bathroom on battery.

If there's a wall light or illuminated mirror wanted then they can include a shaver / charger feature... ensure that they can be switched on/off as the transformers will consume circa 20 Watts with no load. (Some switch on when the plug is inserted, but not all).

 

[johnny2007]

Get a mirror with integrated socket and lights.
Best expense the boss made me do.

 

[ETAF]

note some will have a toothbrush icon on and some say shaver only , no idea why - we have a shaver only socket , and its had rechargeable toothbrushes plugged by family

 

[flameport]

2-pin plug in adapters mean they can be charged anywhere

So does chopping the 2 pin plug off and fitting a 3 pin version.

 

[Mrxman]

Unless you want to use a wired shaver, the shaver socket in a bathroom is pretty much defunct.

Most shavers, hair trimmers and toothbrushes are rechargeable and 2-pin plug in adapters mean they can be charged anywhere convenient and then used in the bathroom on battery.

If there's a wall light or illuminated mirror wanted then they can include a shaver / charger feature... ensure that they can be switched on/off as the transformers will consume circa 20 Watts with no load. (Some switch on when the plug is inserted, but not all).

We already charge our toothbrushes in the bedroom but thought it could be more convenient to charge them in bathroom hence some kind of socket needed.
Didn't know about mirrors with sockets. Sounds like that could be a good option

 

[Taylortwocities]

Even with a mirror with charge socket and - maybe- a light, you’ll still need a length of cable chased in.

 

[Mrxman]

Even with a mirror with charge socket and - maybe- a light, you’ll still need a length of cable chased in.

Yes true.
One more question if you don't mind.

I removed an old electric shower as we're installing a thermostatic shower instead. There's now an unused socket (possibly 45 amp).
Should that be removed or is it safe to leave it in?

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

So does chopping the 2 pin plug off and fitting a 3 pin version.

Except in the bathroom where you want to use them.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yes true.
One more question if you don't mind.

I removed an old electric shower as we're installing a thermostatic shower instead. There's now an unused socket (possibly 45 amp).
Should that be removed or is it safe to leave it in?

Sockets are not permitted in bathrooms. Do you mean sockets? Whereabouts is it located?

 

[Mottie]

Get a mirror with integrated socket and lights.
Best expense the boss made me do.

note some will have a toothbrush icon on and some say shaver only , no idea why - we have a shaver only socket , and its had rechargeable toothbrushes plugged by family

I suspect they are different. I have a shaver socket built into my wall/mirror unit. Never used a mains shaver but I do know the two pin charge lead from an electric toothbrush charger won’t fit in it.

 

[flameport]

Except in the bathroom where you want to use them.

Using and charging are two unrelated activities.

Using every day in the bathroom.
Charging every few days or once a week where there is a power outlet. Stick it on charge in he morning and it's done by the evening.

 

[Mrxman]

Sockets are not permitted in bathrooms. Do you mean sockets? Whereabouts is it located?

Actually it's a switch. It's located in the boiler cupboard.