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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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More power from shaver socket wanted
In article ,
"Anthony R. Gold" writes: I recently bought a Water Pik (a water jet equivalent of dental floss) but its power needs appear to exceed that available from a standard UK shaver outlet. The device is rated at 25VA and it appears that the standard UK shaver outlet is rated at just 20VA. Anyway I get around just 45 seconds of use before the thermal cut-out turns the socket off for a few minutes. The best and simplest solution would be to find a vendor who sells higher rated kit (i.e. integrated shaver transformer socket sets) but I haven't yet found that. I think the British Standard limits them to 20W Another solution is to just buy a transformer which meets the spirit of the regulations (double-wound isolating transformer tested to 500V a.c. rms for one minute between windings) but specified to say 50VA and then hook it to suitable sockets, but I don't want to ask an electrician to do anything illegal and nor do I wish to put my home out of compliance with any IEE wiring or Heath and Safety regulations. Does anyone have any suggestions? Where did you get it from? Sounds like it wasn't designed for use in a UK bathroom. -- Andrew Gabriel |
#2
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More power from shaver socket wanted
Anthony R. Gold wrote in message ... I recently bought a Water Pik (a water jet equivalent of dental floss) but its power needs appear to exceed that available from a standard UK shaver outlet. The device is rated at 25VA and it appears that the standard UK shaver outlet is rated at just 20VA. Anyway I get around just 45 seconds of use before the thermal cut-out turns the socket off for a few minutes. The best and simplest solution would be to find a vendor who sells higher rated kit (i.e. integrated shaver transformer socket sets) but I haven't yet found that. Another solution is to just buy a transformer which meets the spirit of the regulations (double-wound isolating transformer tested to 500V a.c. rms for one minute between windings) but specified to say 50VA and then hook it to suitable sockets, but I don't want to ask an electrician to do anything illegal and nor do I wish to put my home out of compliance with any IEE wiring or Heath and Safety regulations. Does anyone have any suggestions? Tony Do it over the kitchen sink, and plug it into a 13A socket with a suitable adapter. Roger |
#3
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More power from shaver socket wanted
Roger Mills wrote:
Do it over the kitchen sink, and plug it into a 13A socket with a suitable adapter. Roger Bloody hell!! |
#4
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More power from shaver socket wanted
"Andy Wade" wrote in message ... "Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message ... I think the British Standard limits them to 20W It probably does, but it's a BS EN so this is presumably harmonised throughout the EC. really, must be just the UK that enforces it then? IME of European bathrooms they just have normal sockets in them. Can't say that I think that the UK rules are wrong, but it is annoying that no other courtry thinks that this is a problem? Tim Actually, I'm surprised that a 20VA unit is cutting out so quickly at 25VA. I'd expect it to stand that sort of overload for short periods with no great problem. Is the 25VA measured, or based on a rating plate? Maybe it's faulty and drawing more current than expected. Or maybe changing to another make of shaver unit would do the trick. Other options, to BS 7671: - convert appliance to SELV and install SELV source (isolating transformer) outside bathroom (OK, this may not be a terribly practical suggestion); - install (mains powered) appliance in zone 3 or beyond, connected by means of fused connection unit (and protected by 30mA RCD if used in zone 3). This is allowed. -- Andy |
#5
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More power from shaver socket wanted
In article ,
"tim" writes: "Andy Wade" wrote in message ... "Andrew Gabriel" wrote in message ... I think the British Standard limits them to 20W It probably does, but it's a BS EN so this is presumably harmonised throughout the EC. really, must be just the UK that enforces it then? The requirement to use an isolating transformer seems to be a UK one. IME of European bathrooms they just have normal sockets in them. Can't say that I think that the UK rules are wrong, but it is annoying that no other courtry thinks that this is a problem? US do. They have required RCD socket outlets in bathrooms for a while now. They also require things like hairdriers to be fitted with 5mA RCD plugs. Don't know how well they work after you've dropped them a few times, possibly into the bath or sink. -- Andrew Gabriel |
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More power from shaver socket wanted
Andrew Gabriel wrote in message ...
The requirement to use an isolating transformer seems to be a UK one. Well I was talking about shaver outlets (for which there is a harmonised EN standard) rather than sockets-in-bathrooms in general, which is a different subject altogether. But now I'm trying to reacall whether I've seen a UK-type isolated shaver point in a (mainland) European bathroom. TBH I can't remember whether I have or not (which probably comes of being a wet-shaver). Odd though to have a harmonised standard used in the UK only. On sockets in bathrooms in general, an article in 'Wiring Matters' (Issue 7, Spring 2000) which introduced the new 'zoned bathroom' regs. talks abut the ongoing argument. Harmonisation through CENELEC seesm to have fallen apart (again) leaving the UK free to do its onw thing. Equipment and appliance manufacturers are very keen to see sockets allowed, but while the IEE admits to "general agreement that a socket outlet in a bathroom protected by an RCD is unlikely to [significantly] increase the risk of electric shock" it goes in to say that "doubt remains". The anti lobby seems to be mainly the government, in shape of the HSE, DTI and DETR, who "do not think that the potential benefits are worth the risk". US do. They have required RCD socket outlets in bathrooms for a while now. They also require things like hairdriers to be fitted with 5mA RCD plugs. Don't know how well they work after you've dropped them a few times, possibly into the bath or sink. OTOH 115V/5mA is 23k ohms. Would you _want_ to use a hairdryer with insulation resistance that low? -- Andy |
#7
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More power from shaver socket wanted
"Anthony R. Gold" wrote in message ... I recently bought a Water Pik (a water jet equivalent of dental floss) but its power needs appear to exceed that available from a standard UK shaver outlet. The device is rated at 25VA and it appears that the standard UK shaver outlet is rated at just 20VA. Anyway I get around just 45 seconds of use before the thermal cut-out turns the socket off for a few minutes. snip Which make? I used to have a Braun one which worked fine in my bathroom on a shaver socket, but eventually the plastic tube covering disintegrated and I've never checked to see if it could be replaced. |
#8
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More power from shaver socket wanted
On Fri, 8 Aug 2003 09:09:50 +0100, "Andy Wade"
wrote: Odd though to have a harmonised standard used in the UK only. Ireland? Jim. |
#9
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More power from shaver socket wanted
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