Shaver Adapter

The Mains Plug used in the UK is the 'BS 1363'. It was first introduced in nineteen forty seven, as a general redesign of electrical wiring in GreatBritain. It is also used by many countries who were former colonies of the British Empire.

Every electrical device sold in the UK, is required to be equipped with a BS 1363 plug. The only exceptions are electric shavers and toothbrushes.

A picture of the UK mains plug is provided below,

Luckily the BSI, responsible for electrical standards in the UK, have also designed a two pin plug socket outlet. Called the 'BS 4573', this 2-pin plug socket is included in many UK bathrooms. And it is compatible with the two pin euro standard, via an isolating transformer.

The Euro two pin plug is safe for use across the European Union, except for those countries who use the BS 1363 as standard, such as as the UK and Ireland. A two Europlug can only be safely inserted into a 'BS 4573' plug, and not a 'BS 1363' mains plug.

A picture of the two pin Europlug is provided below,

Of course, for those you who have an electric shaver, but not a 'BS 4573' plug in your bathroom, there is a problem. Luckily you can now purchase adapter, for under five pounds, which converts a two pin Europlug into a UK mainsplug. An example of such an adapter is provided below,