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Why does my shaver socket buzz?

Author

Michael Henderson

Updated on March 02, 2026

Why does my shaver socket buzz?

Re: Shaver socket hum
It's caused by magnetostriction. All transformers hum, some more than others. Manufacturers can dampen the noise by impregnating the windings but sometimes the impregnation is less than perfect.

Also to know is, can you plug an electric toothbrush into a shaver socket?

No, not quite. A 2 pin plug found on an electric toothbrush or shaver has pins that are closer together than a traditional 2 pin EU mains adapter. This means that appliances that would normally connect to a shaver socket cannot and should not be connected to mains power in Europe.

Beside above, why does my bathroom mirror buzz? The humming/buzzing sound is a sign that power from the LED transformer is circulating around the shaver transformer, which can cause the shaver transformer to vibrate against the backbox, this is what creates the sound. Please note that the shaver socket will only be activated when something is plugged into it.

Correspondingly, should shaver sockets get warm?

A: Yes it is ok as long as it's just a bit warm and not red hot. It's just the transformer for the shaver socket according to my electrician. I've had a couple of these cheaper shaver lights & they all seem to get a bit warm. My current one has been installed & warm for a few years with no problems.

What is a shaver socket?

A shaver socket is a very useful bathroom accessory commonly used for charging and operating shavers and also charging electric toothbrushes.

Does a shaver socket need to be earthed?

This may be more involved than you think as shaver sockets are generally taken from local lighting circuits. It may be the case that the lighting circuit has no earth at all. You are altering a circuit so the alterations should be compliant with the regs. This requires an earth to be present.

What size cable should I use for a shaver socket?

"You can wire a shaver socket from a junction box on an earthed lighting circuit or from a fused connection unit, fitted with a 3amp fuse, on a ring circuit spur." Run 1mm sq. two-core-and-earth cable from the connection unit to the shaver socket; then connect the conductors: red to L and black to N(1)."

Can you run a shaver socket off a lighting circuit?

In certain situations, it is possible to add a shaver socket to the lighting circuit of the room; however it is probably best to consult with a qualified electrician before attempting this, especially in a bathroom situation.

How far does a shaver socket have to be from a sink?

300mm from the edge of the sink unit, ie drainer. You can site the shaver socket in Zone 2, which runs from the edge of the bath or shower cubicle to a distance of 600mm from the bath or shower cubicle, up to a height of 2.25m.

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

Sockets. Sockets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms (apart from shaver-supply units) unless they can be fitted at least three metres from the bath or shower.

Can I put a 2 pin plug in a 3 pin socket?

The top pin is for an earth (aka ground) connection and is larger and longer than the live and neutral pins, it has to be longer as it pushes open an internal shutter in the socket that covers the live and neutral outlets holes, so you physically cannot push a 2 pin plug into a 3 pin socket, nor can you push anything

Why are shaver sockets safe?

The reason is actually to do with safety. In the UK and Europe, mains voltage is 230V (plus or minus a bit) referenced to earth. Shaver sockets contain a transformer which isolates the mains supply from earth. The voltage is the same, or 115V for the centre-tapped output.

Why does my mirror make noises?

The humming/buzzing sound is a sign that power from the LED transformer is circulating around the shaver transformer, which can cause the shaver transformer to vibrate against the backbox, this is what creates the sound. Please note that the shaver socket will only be activated when something is plugged into it.

Can I charge my phone in a shaver socket?

The answer is “Yes”. Phone chargers use even less power than the typical shaver - even the turbo-charging ones. Hence no problem there. However, you cannot use it for charging laptops because laptop chargers are 65W or more.

How does shaver socket work?

Shaver sockets contain a transformer which isolates the mains supply from earth. The voltage is the same, or 115V for the centre-tapped output. If you were to touch one of the two output pins, then you would not get a shock - you're connected to ground, but the output side of the transformer isn't.

Which shaver socket should I use?

Providing the Shaver socket is reduced to 110V it should go in zone 2 or preferably, zone 3, never in zone 1. There should be no 240V sockets in the bathroom at all. Dual Voltage shaver sockets are also available and have the advantage that they can be used for 240 volt or 115 volt appliances.

Why do British bathrooms not have sockets?

Because the rules about domestic power in the UK are some of the safest in the world (partly because we use 240V which has a higher risk of death) and having power outlets in a bathroom, particularly on an earthed system like the UK uses, is very risky, as people will plug things in which shouldn't be used when wet;

What height should a shaver socket be?

With the new 17th edition regs sockets & switches need to be between 45cm & 120cm of floor level, dose the height required for a shaver socket when positioned over a sink override this requirement.

How does electrical separation work?

Shock protection, via electrical separation, for a supply to one item of current using equipment, is provided when fault protection utilizes simple separation of the circuit from the main circuit and all of its associated circuits and Earth. Basic protection is provided by insulation or barriers.

What is a razor only outlet?

In many older houses and condos, you still can find a “razor only” outlet in the bathroom. These usually have a polished silver plate and only two prongs. They were designed to separate you from the grounded electrical system in your home by limiting the amount of current that could flow in a fault condition.

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