My razor charger (2-pin) won't fit in a continental socket!

MM

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Aug 7, 2013, 6:52:14 AM8/7/13

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I've just realised that I can't plug my Philishave charger (new shaver
bought 2 months ago) into a German socket, even though it has two pins
like all German plugs. The charger's pins are ~slightly~ closer
together than a normal German 2-pin plug. What can I do short-term?
The fully charged shaver is good for 17 shaves, but I've a feeling it
isn't fully charged!

By the way, it's the same with my Oral-B electric toothbrush charger.
It also has a 2-pin plug that won't fit in a German socket.

What weird "standard" are these 2-pin plugs manufactured to?

MM

Adrian

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Aug 7, 2013, 7:07:25 AM8/7/13

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On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 12:52:14 +0200, MM wrote:

> By the way, it's the same with my Oral-B electric toothbrush charger. It
> also has a 2-pin plug that won't fit in a German socket.
>
> What weird "standard" are these 2-pin plugs manufactured to?

They're to a proper imperially-measured UK standard, rather than one of
Johnny Foreigner's damnable Not-Invented-Here metricised standards...

The various Europlug standards agree on two round pins measuring 4.8 by
19 mm (0.189 by 0.748 in), spaced 19 mm (0.748 in) apart

But the BS 4573 UK shaver has 0.2 in (5.08 mm) diameter pins 0.625 in
(15.88 mm) long and 0.656 in (16.66 mm) apart.

And our Oral-B toothbrush plugs straight into our perfectly normal UK
shaver socket. "But so do Europlugs", I hear you cry...

"It is more usual to find shaver supply units meeting BS EN 61558-2-5
which include an isolation transformer and usually accept multiple two-
pin plug types including BS 4573, Europlug and Australian."

All c'n'p from...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets

Message has been deleted

MM

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Aug 7, 2013, 7:49:46 AM8/7/13

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On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 12:16:34 +0100, Tim Streater
<timst...@greenbee.net> wrote:

>In article <ta94099o7itl5q5np...@4ax.com>,

> MM <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> I've just realised that I can't plug my Philishave charger (new shaver
>> bought 2 months ago) into a German socket, even though it has two pins
>> like all German plugs. The charger's pins are ~slightly~ closer
>> together than a normal German 2-pin plug. What can I do short-term?
>> The fully charged shaver is good for 17 shaves, but I've a feeling it
>> isn't fully charged!
>>
>> By the way, it's the same with my Oral-B electric toothbrush charger.
>> It also has a 2-pin plug that won't fit in a German socket.
>

>So buy an adapter for tuppence-ha'penny. Plenty about.

Where? I can find ~plenty~ of UK 3-pin plug to Euro socket adapters,
but so far no adapter for a UK *shaver* plug to Euro socket. That's
the problem! Amazon do have one listed (actually supplied as a pair),
but one of the comments expressly says the UK shaver plug/Oral-B plug
won't fit it.

MM

Adrian

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Aug 7, 2013, 7:51:47 AM8/7/13

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On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 13:49:46 +0200, MM wrote:

>>So buy an adapter for tuppence-ha'penny. Plenty about.

> Where? I can find ~plenty~ of UK 3-pin plug to Euro socket adapters, but
> so far no adapter for a UK *shaver* plug to Euro socket. That's the
> problem!

Shaver -> UK three-pin -> Euro Plug?

Or (assuming it's not a wallwart) just snip the moulded plug off and wire
a Euro on?

JTM

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Aug 7, 2013, 7:59:19 AM8/7/13

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In article <ta94099o7itl5q5np...@4ax.com>, MM
<kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

I assume you bought it in the UK?
The plug is for use in a standard bathroom 'shaver socket'.
It is not a continental 2 pin plug and to use it abroad you
need a 'continental adaptor' (for uk plugs) but not just
*any* continental adaptor.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rau1276fur54ysa/pink.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l5jqqpy8l4fpt8j/taped.jpg
You need one of the 'smiley eyes' adaptors, where the holes
for live and neutral have a slight rounded part like the
pink one in the first link.

There are much fancier adapters as well as simple ones like
the second pic which is ONLY for shavers and toothbrush
chargers etc..

John M

--
John Mulrooney
NOTE Email address IS correct but might not be checked for a while.

A controlled 'plane crash is usually called a landing.

Dave Plowman (News)

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Aug 7, 2013, 8:08:36 AM8/7/13

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In article <ktt9pd$659$1...@speranza.aioe.org>,

At one time there was a so called Europlug (IIRC) 2 pin plug which fitted
(after a fashion) pretty well all the common sockets across Europe.
Including the two pins of a 13 amp socket - if you could open the shutter.
Snag was it fell out of a normal shaver socket too easily.

--
*Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?

Dave Plowman da...@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Mentalguy2k8

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Aug 7, 2013, 8:19:43 AM8/7/13

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"MM" <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:ta94099o7itl5q5np...@4ax.com...

The little-known "shaver socket" standard plug that virtually all UK shavers
and electric toothbrushes are fitted with...... They're designed to be
plugged into the shaver sockets in bathrooms, not wall sockets in various
genocidal European countries.

If they fitted into ordinary German sockets, then German appliances like
3-bar heaters and tellies would fit into shaver sockets in bathrooms, and
that's the whole point.

The Other Mike

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Aug 7, 2013, 8:23:12 AM8/7/13

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The pared down lightweight three pin adapters CPC sell take the Oral B 2 pin /
shaver plugs

Maybe this

http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/9906/2-pin-travel-adaptor-plug/dp/PLTRAV20?Ntt=pltrav20

although I have a feeling what I have may be one of these

http://cpc.farnell.com/smj-electrical/taeupc-dx/travel-adaptor-euro-twin-pack/dp/PL1153920?Ntt=pl1153920

--

dennis@home

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Aug 7, 2013, 8:46:55 AM8/7/13

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British standard.

Buy a travel adapter.

Martin Bonner

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Aug 7, 2013, 9:14:24 AM8/7/13

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On Wednesday, August 7, 2013 12:51:47 PM UTC+1, Adrian wrote:
> Or (assuming it's not a wallwart) just snip the moulded plug off and wire
> a Euro on?

Where do you get wire-on Europlugs? I have looked, but can't see any.

Dave Plowman (News)

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Aug 7, 2013, 9:43:14 AM8/7/13

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In article <ktte13$r3f$1...@dont-email.me>,

Mentalguy2k8 <Mental...@gmail.com> wrote:
> The little-known "shaver socket" standard plug that virtually all UK
> shavers and electric toothbrushes are fitted with...... They're
> designed to be plugged into the shaver sockets in bathrooms, not wall
> sockets in various genocidal European countries.

Have a close look at a shaver socket. They are usually designed to take
both a round pin plug and a US style flat pin one. You'll see that by the
flats top and bottom.

> If they fitted into ordinary German sockets, then German appliances like
> 3-bar heaters and tellies would fit into shaver sockets in bathrooms,
> and that's the whole point.

No - a small pin can fit a large sprung loaded socket. A large pin won't
fit a small hole.

--
*Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?

Adrian

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Aug 7, 2013, 10:02:20 AM8/7/13

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On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 06:14:24 -0700, Martin Bonner wrote:

>> Or (assuming it's not a wallwart) just snip the moulded plug off and
>> wire a Euro on?

> Where do you get wire-on Europlugs? I have looked, but can't see any.

<shrug> So chop a moulded one off something dead, and use a little inline
junction box.

Adrian

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Aug 7, 2013, 10:04:39 AM8/7/13

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<wanders off to check anyway>
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DOTZP6I

Steve Firth

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Aug 7, 2013, 10:13:49 AM8/7/13

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I wander down to the iron mongers and buy a handful, they're only a Euro
each. (bTicino brand, they seem to be the best make.)

--
<•DarWin><|
_/ _/

Tim+

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Aug 7, 2013, 11:23:55 AM8/7/13

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Better still, wet shave.

Tim

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Aug 7, 2013, 1:13:57 PM8/7/13

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Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
> In article <ktte13$r3f$1...@dont-email.me>,
> Mentalguy2k8 <Mental...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> The little-known "shaver socket" standard plug that virtually all UK
>> shavers and electric toothbrushes are fitted with...... They're
>> designed to be plugged into the shaver sockets in bathrooms, not wall
>> sockets in various genocidal European countries.
>
> Have a close look at a shaver socket. They are usually designed to
> take both a round pin plug and a US style flat pin one. You'll see
> that by the flats top and bottom.
>
>> If they fitted into ordinary German sockets, then German appliances
>> like 3-bar heaters and tellies would fit into shaver sockets in
>> bathrooms, and that's the whole point.
>
> No - a small pin can fit a large sprung loaded socket. A large pin
> won't fit a small hole.

Stoppit Dave:-)

--
Adam

Lobster

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Aug 7, 2013, 2:30:24 PM8/7/13

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On 07/08/2013 11:52, MM wrote:

I've experienced the same problem but have an adapter like this in my
collection, which does the trick (note the rounded inside edges to the L
& N holes):
http://tinyurl.com/3zns27k (or
http://www.cable-trader.co.uk/images/items/continental%20travel%20adapter.jpg)
They're readily obtainable.
--
David

polygonum

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Aug 7, 2013, 3:27:28 PM8/7/13

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I do wet shave.

With my electric razor which has a UK two pin shaver plug. :-)

--
Rod

Adrian

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Aug 7, 2013, 4:33:27 PM8/7/13

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On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 20:27:28 +0100, polygonum wrote:

>> Better still, wet shave.

> I do wet shave.
>
> With my electric razor which has a UK two pin shaver plug. :-)

I'm just wondering how wet shaving will help get around a toothbrush that
won't charge...

SteveW

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Aug 7, 2013, 5:08:48 PM8/7/13

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The local hardware shop or even supermarket usually.

SteveW

DerbyBorn

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Aug 7, 2013, 5:12:10 PM8/7/13

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Be careful changing the plug - isn't the flex that sort of super flexible
stuff what is tinsell and doesn't easily attach to conventional terminals.
Would it be better to investigate getting a totally different complete flex
- I presume it plugs into the shaver.

Brian Gaff

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Aug 7, 2013, 5:48:28 PM8/7/13

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Remmingtons recent chargers are the same as well, slightly thinner and a
different pitch. It is a new standard, and I notice the other end is now
smaller with only a notch in one side as well which probably means some
circuitry is in the plug now.
No idea why when things work, they have to design a new oe. I bet there is
an adaptor for them though, probably Chinese and lethal.
Brian

--
From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active

"MM" <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:ta94099o7itl5q5np...@4ax.com...

> I've just realised that I can't plug my Philishave charger (new shaver
> bought 2 months ago) into a German socket, even though it has two pins
> like all German plugs. The charger's pins are ~slightly~ closer
> together than a normal German 2-pin plug. What can I do short-term?
> The fully charged shaver is good for 17 shaves, but I've a feeling it
> isn't fully charged!
>
> By the way, it's the same with my Oral-B electric toothbrush charger.
> It also has a 2-pin plug that won't fit in a German socket.
>
> What weird "standard" are these 2-pin plugs manufactured to?
>

> MM

Harry Bloomfield

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Aug 7, 2013, 5:57:01 PM8/7/13

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After serious thinking MM wrote :

Assuming the lead can be unplugged from the razor, most can be, just
look for a complete replacement lead with a plug at one end and the
tiny two pin socket at the other end.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

Apellation Controlee

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Aug 8, 2013, 2:28:37 AM8/8/13

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On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 13:49:46 +0200, MM <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

----------------8><

>Where? I can find ~plenty~ of UK 3-pin plug to Euro socket adapters,
>but so far no adapter for a UK *shaver* plug to Euro socket. That's
>the problem! Amazon do have one listed (actually supplied as a pair),
>but one of the comments expressly says the UK shaver plug/Oral-B plug
>won't fit it.

http://allegoric.us/18cjqo5

Terry Casey

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Aug 8, 2013, 7:21:44 AM8/8/13

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In article <kttt30$die$1...@dont-email.me>, Mental...@gmail.com says...

+1

All the pound shops around here are stacked out with them - one often has a
pair for 99p although sometimes the second one is for US sockets.

I've got several and my Oral B charger fits them all with no problems.

These days they are always white but the first one I ever got was red - I use
it in hotel bathrooms that don't have dedicated shaver sockets. The colour
attracts the eye and means I never leave it behind by accident ...

A couple of points to watch - some don't have a hole to accommodate the
projecting earth pin in French/Belgian sockets (not important if you don't go
to either country, of course.)

The other point is that some adaptors skimp on the Shuko side contact
earthing - look for the metal strip on the underside that connects to the
other side contact - a much better design.

Not important for razors/toothbrushes but offers better protection if you are
using the same adaptor with a 13A plug on something that needs an earth.

--

Terry

Andrew Gabriel

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Aug 8, 2013, 9:28:40 AM8/8/13

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>>>So buy an adapter for tuppence-ha'penny. Plenty about.
>>
>>Where? I can find ~plenty~ of UK 3-pin plug to Euro socket adapters,
>>but so far no adapter for a UK *shaver* plug to Euro socket. That's

>>the problem! Amazon do have one listed (actually supplied as a pair),
>>but one of the comments expressly says the UK shaver plug/Oral-B plug
>>won't fit it.
>

>The pared down lightweight three pin adapters CPC sell take the Oral B 2 pin /
>shaver plugs
>
>Maybe this
>
>http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/9906/2-pin-travel-adaptor-plug/dp/PLTRAV20?Ntt=pltrav20

The blurb says: "Converts 13A plug to continental 2 pin ..." Nothing
about UK 2-pin shaver plugs.

MM

MM

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Aug 9, 2013, 4:45:17 AM8/9/13

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Unfortunately, that's one of Amazon's ridiculous Add-on Items where
one first has to order something else as well.

MM

MM

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Aug 9, 2013, 4:48:38 AM8/9/13

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On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 13:59:19 +0200, JTM <usen...@free.fr> wrote:

>
>There are much fancier adapters as well as simple ones like
>the second pic which is ONLY for shavers and toothbrush
>chargers etc..
>
>John M

>https://www.dropbox.com/s/l5jqqpy8l4fpt8j/taped.jpg

Ah, THAT's the one I need! Any idea what its precise name is (or
manufacturer) so I can search for it?

MM

Roland Perry

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Aug 9, 2013, 5:06:13 AM8/9/13

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In message <03b90958bupor5co8...@4ax.com>, at 10:48:38 on
Fri, 9 Aug 2013, MM <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> remarked:

>>https://www.dropbox.com/s/l5jqqpy8l4fpt8j/taped.jpg
>
>Ah, THAT's the one I need! Any idea what its precise name is (or
>manufacturer) so I can search for it?

I have one very like that, except it's designed to fit a USA (flat pin)
power outlet. I bought it from Radioshack (in person in the USA, to
charge my shaver).

They have a complete set (that's cheaper than the individual one):

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11278753#

I've also seen the USA-Shaver adapters in hotel-foyer shops, so it's
worth looking in stores with "travel gadget" items. (Yes, I know you
want Euro->shaver).
--
Roland Perry

Part Timer

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Aug 9, 2013, 5:37:15 AM8/9/13

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To plug an earthed Schuko (or indeed a 2 pin CEE 7/16 Europlug (Type C)
as Wikipedia calls them) into a UK 13A socket:
http://www.kenable.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=6017
There's a way to do anything and everything!

The Other Mike

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Aug 9, 2013, 6:17:06 AM8/9/13

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I *know* it says that, but they do have contacts suitable for a round pin
connection, the moulding is shaped to accept them, and the Live Neutral shutter
shutter opens with a UK 2 pin plug. Been using this type for quite a few years
now.

FFS it's free delivery from CPC and costs all of 42p with the VAT

(or 1.60 for two of the other very similar design that I think is the one I
have)

or 4 quid from Amazon for just one

I've even taken some photos to show the toothbrush charger plugged in

https://www.dropbox.com/s/te058uljbwbdhhv/oral_b_3_pin_euro_adapter.jpg

--

The Other Mike

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Aug 9, 2013, 6:17:19 AM8/9/13

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The buy it from CPC for 1/10 of the price and no postage

--

MM

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Aug 10, 2013, 5:48:16 AM8/10/13

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On Fri, 09 Aug 2013 11:17:06 +0100, The Other Mike

The most interesting thing about this thread is finding out that from
Farnell "All UK orders placed online will be delivered absolutely
free", which I would not have expected. I would have assumed there'd
be a delivery charge of around �2.99. So, for 42p I shall certainly
get one when I'm back in the UK.

Also, I shall look at the Farnell website much more in future before
buying anything.

Of course, I expect Farnell still make a profit even at only42p,
because it can't cost much to mass produce in, say, China. Maybe 1p.

MM

Roland Perry

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Aug 10, 2013, 7:21:27 AM8/10/13

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In message <3j2c099knmpd1hdqs...@4ax.com>, at 11:48:16 on
Sat, 10 Aug 2013, MM <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> remarked:

>
>The most interesting thing about this thread is finding out that from
>Farnell "All UK orders placed online will be delivered absolutely
>free", which I would not have expected. I would have assumed there'd
>be a delivery charge of around �2.99. So, for 42p I shall certainly
>get one when I'm back in the UK.
>
>Also, I shall look at the Farnell website much more in future before
>buying anything.
>
>Of course, I expect Farnell still make a profit even at only42p,
>because it can't cost much to mass produce in, say, China. Maybe 1p.

And with the cheapest (consumer, rather than contract) "small parcel"
[it's unlikely to squeeze in as a "large letter"] rate @�2.60???

Are Farnell really getting "Small Parcel" rates at less than 40p?
--
Roland Perry

JTM

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Aug 11, 2013, 8:45:17 AM8/11/13

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In article <03b90958bupor5co8...@4ax.com>, MM

'fraid not. The only clue is a letter 'S' inside a 'sun
rays' symbol and the number 6599 (can't find anything on
Google)

After a couple of days searching drawers I've found some
other parts *similar* to the ones reference by Roland P.

John M

--
John Mulrooney
NOTE Email address IS correct but might not be checked for a while.

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak