Charging an electric toothbrush from a UK shaver socket

What a shaver socket is

A UK bathroom shaver socket, often built to BS 4573 or the newer BS EN 61558-2-5, takes plugs with two round pins. Many contain an isolating transformer, which separates the output from the mains earth and limits the power available. That makes them suitable for very low-power devices like shavers and toothbrush chargers, and unsuitable for hairdryers, straighteners or anything with a heating element.

Many shaver sockets have two pairs of holes or a switch marked 115 V and 230 V, so they can also power older shavers made for other voltages.

Which toothbrush chargers fit

Check the plug on your charger. If it has two round pins, it is designed for a shaver socket or a two-pin adaptor. Several premium brushes list a UK two-pin bathroom plug, including the Sonicare DiamondClean 9000, DiamondClean Smart 9400 and DiamondClean Prestige 9900, according to the listings in our travel case guide.

Oral-B iO chargers sold in the UK commonly come with a two-pin plug as well. Some chargers and travel cases charge over USB instead, which is handy for travel but needs a USB power adaptor.

Using the voltage switch

If your shaver socket has a 115/230 V switch or two sets of holes, check the charger label. Many modern toothbrush chargers accept a range such as 100 to 240 V and work on either setting. Others are made for 220 to 240 V only. Use 230 V unless the charger says otherwise, and check the manual if unsure.

Using a 230 V-only charger on a 115 V output will usually just mean it charges slowly or not at all, but follow the label to be safe.

If the toothbrush will not charge from the socket

Shaver sockets often have their own switch, and some are wired through the bathroom light circuit or a pull cord. Work through the basics.

1. 1

   Check the socket switch is on, and turn on the bathroom light if the socket may be linked to it.

2. 2

   Push the plug fully home. Two-pin plugs can sit loosely in worn sockets.

3. 3

   Try the other pair of holes or voltage setting, if the charger allows.

4. 4

   Test the charger in a two-pin adaptor on a socket outside the bathroom.

5. 5

   If it charges elsewhere, the shaver socket may be faulty. Ask a qualified electrician to check it.

Note:Do not open a shaver socket or alter bathroom wiring yourself. Bathroom electrics are subject to special rules, and work should be done by a qualified electrician. Never use a shaver socket for devices other than shavers and toothbrushes.

Chargers with a three-pin plug

If your charger has a UK three-pin plug, do not try to force it into a shaver socket or use an adaptor that converts three-pin to two-pin for bathroom use. Charge it from a standard socket outside the bathroom, for example in a bedroom.

Some people keep the brush on a charger in the bedroom and bring it into the bathroom to brush. That works well with brushes that have a long battery life. Our battery-days check shows how long a charge should last for your brushing routine.

Travel and charging cases

Abroad, a two-pin plug may fit hotel shaver sockets or a European socket via the right adaptor. Travel cases that charge over USB avoid the issue entirely. Our travel case guide lists which models include a USB charging case, and our article on taking an electric toothbrush on a plane covers flying.

See brushes with charging travel cases →

Frequently asked questions

Can I charge an Oral-B iO from a shaver socket? Yes, if the charger has a two-pin plug that fits and the socket is switched on. Check the label for the voltage range.

Should I set my shaver socket to 115 V or 230 V? Use 230 V unless the charger label says it needs 115 V. Many chargers accept both.

Can I plug a hairdryer into a shaver socket? No. Shaver sockets are designed only for low-power devices such as shavers and toothbrushes.

Is it safe to charge a toothbrush in the bathroom? Using a charger in a proper shaver socket is what these sockets are designed for. Keep the charger away from water and do not use damaged leads.