Shaver socket for laptop?

[Duncan Bennett]

Guys, I could do with some advice on this as it's not something I've come up against before.

I've just had a call from an American chap who's asking me to price to install a 230/120v shaver socket in his sitting room so that he can use it to plug in his laptop.

My only experience of installing shaver sockets is in bathrooms where I spur them from the existing lighting circuit.

I know they can be used for other things: charging toothbrushes, etc. But Laptops?

I haven't seen the job yet, so I've no idea if it's RCD protected or not - and I guess that shouldn't matter anyway as the transformer is electrically separated. Also, if it's in his sitting room / bedroom, i'm thinking it might be easier to spur from a local socket, in which case should I also install an FCU and step down to a 2amp cartridge fuse? Is there an alternative to a bathroom style, vertical unit which, in any case, is normally marked 'Shaver only'.

Thanks in advance.

 

[telectrix]

sell the yank a £1.99 adaptor, unless he needs the 120V.

 

[Duncan Bennett]

He says he needs the 120v? I haven't met him yet, but I have this picture of him sitting in his bath writing profound thesis for the Lancet

 

[colshaws]

Why not fit one of these Toolstation > Electrical > White Wiring Accessories > 13A Socket with USB Charger

 

[Duncan Bennett]

Cheers, Colshaws. I did offer him an adaptor, but he insists he needs the 120v supply :-/

 

[shocking_eg]

if its 120v then shouldn't it be the American style plug on it ? and not a euro style shaver plug ?

 

[Richard Burns]

Aurora do a single gang dual voltage shaver socket (90 degree rotated) that sticks out a bit but would probably look better than a double one.
Still marked shavers only.

 

[shocking_eg]

otherwise get one of these - you can plug both USA plugs or euro plugs into this...

UK to US CONVERTER STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER 200W 110 /120V | eBay


you need to make sure if you install a shaver socket that the transformer is rated enough for the load

 

[Duncan Bennett]

I expect so, but the shaver socket should take the American Style as well. He says he's used it a number of times on shaver sockets.

 

[shocking_eg]

I expect so, but the shaver socket should take the American Style as well. He says he's used it a number of times on shaver sockets.

The USA is square pins though which look bigger than the round euro pins ?
?

 

[Adam W]

Would using a shaver socket with 'shavers only' emblazoned on the front of it to power a laptop in a living room be complying with manufacturer's instructions?

 

[shocking_eg]

Would using a shaver socket with 'shavers only' emblazoned on the front of it to power a laptop in a living room be complying with manufacturer's instructions?

hmmm... good point

you can see on the link i posted above just how big the tranny needs to be just to power 200watts ! seems the shaver socket wouldn't be man enough

 

[Duncan Bennett]

Cheers Richard / Shocking

I'll see if he has any other equipment he might want to use and might then suggest the transformer. If he wants me to go ahead with the shaver socket (for aesthetic purposes - he did seem quite insistent, maybe he wants it nice n'tidy by his workstation) then should I step down through an FSU, even if the output is through a segregated transformer? From memory, I don't think American plugs are fused.

 

[StuSpiers]

don't forget US is on 60Hz too

Don't honestly know if that would make too much difference short term, but long term?

 

[StuSpiers]

wouldn't it also be better just to buy a new power pack for his laptop?

cost about £20 - £30

Will do yourself out of a job though.

 

[shocking_eg]

don't forget US is on 60Hz too

Don't honestly know if that would make too much difference short term, but long term?

true !

some stuff works fine on 50Hz but some electrical components don't like it at all :S

trust the americans to be different LOL

i still cant get over how the hell they can survive with only 120v !! there lighting circuits must be wired in 2.5mm ? lol

 

[SPARTYKUS]

I think they're 20 Watts, shaver sockets, if memory serves. Very low current. Therefore safe

 

[Strima]

By the time he's screwed around and paid for the work he could have picked up a universal laptop power supply for under £30.

 

[Duncan Bennett]

The USA is square pins though which look bigger than the round euro pins ?
?

Yes, they are square aren't they - odd looking flat things I recall! But can't visiting yanks use their razors in our hotels?

 

[shocking_eg]

wouldn't it also be better just to buy a new power pack for his laptop?

cost about £20 - £30

Will do yourself out of a job though.

hit it on the nail - just say you will supply a new power supply instead ! lol