Why do shavers have different plugs?

These sockets are often known as ‘shaver sockets’ because this is what is commonly connected into them. UK building regulations mean you cannot fit a regular 3 pin mains power socket in a bathroom, even the ‘shaver socket’ has to be a safe distance away from the bath or shower.

What BS 1363 2?

The BS 1363 series provides essential requirements for the safety, construction, electrical and mechanical testing, dimensional accuracy and markings of the UK national electrical power plug and socket outlet system.

Why are there different plug types?

As the need for safer installations grew, three-pin outlets were developed. The reason why the world is now stuck with no less than 15 different styles of plugs and wall outlets, is because many countries preferred to develop a plug of their own, instead of adopting the US standard.

Is it illegal to have a plug socket in the bathroom?

Electrical sockets are permitted in bathrooms or shower rooms as long as they are located more than 3m from the edge of the bath or shower. Specially designed shaver units are an exception to this rule and can be located slightly nearer, but still no closer than 600mm from the bath or shower.

Why do bathroom sockets say shavers only?

Usually, outlets that read “Shavers Only” means that there is not much electricity running to that outlet – enough for a shaver, and to recharge stuff, but usually anything drawing more electricity will cause the breaker to fail/blow as they are usually running low amps/watts.

How do I know what type of plug I need?

You can look it up on the product’s page under “Properties”. You’ll find all information on this plug type respective plug category in the following: a picture, a description, and the country in which the type of plug is common.

Why does UK have 3 pin plugs?

Prong Design: Like standard U.S. grounded plugs, the U.K. wall plug has three prongs. The U.K. plug is designed so that the grounding prong is slightly longer than the prongs responsible for transferring current.

Why do countries use different voltages?

Companies in Europe realized that supplying power at 220 volts instead of 110 volts would be cheaper. At a higher voltage, electric companies can deliver the same power with less current – picture a narrow stream flowing quickly compared to a wider stream flowing slowly. And less current allows for thinner wires.

What type of plug is used in the USA?

USA travel adaptors: which type do I need? For USA there are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. USA operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.

Is there a 2 pin BS 546 plug/socket?

It should be noted that the images purporting to be 2 pin BS 546 types are no such thing. There is not, and has never been, a 2 pin BS 546 plug/socket. BS 546 deals only with earthed plugs and sockets.

What is BS546 15A socket and plug?

BS 546 15A socket and plug. The socket has a switch, a quite common, but non-compulsary feature. The socket was bought in Malaysia. Inset: compulsory label that specifies certification according to Malaysian Standard, provided by SIRIM Berhad (Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia).

What is the difference between BS 546 and is 1293?

Although fully comparable to BS 546, Indian IS 1293 plugs and sockets are rated at 240V – 16A or 6A, rather than 15A and 5A. Both types of sockets have safety shutters. Socket no. 9 has also a fuse and control light. The fuse is not hard wired; it is up to the electrician when installing the socket to wire the fuse (or not).

What is a Type D plug socket?

TYPE D plugs and outlets. Type D outlets have 2 round parallel sockets plus a thick, round ground receptacle arranged in a triangular shape that accepts type D plugs and plug adapters Also know as BS 546 (5Amps/250Volts grounded).