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Professional Guide

Best Bathroom Shaver Sockets for Safety & Style: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

If you're renovating a bathroom or simply fed up with an old, yellowing shaver socket that buzzes like a trapped wasp, choosing a replacement seems simple enough. However, bathrooms are 'special locations' under BS 7671 wiring regulations for a reason: water and electricity are a deadly mix.

In my rounds across Leeds, I often see shaver sockets that have been poorly fitted or are unsuitable for the environment. The transformers inside these units are crucial for electrical separation—allowing you to use shavers and toothbrushes safely near water sources where a standard 13A socket would be illegal.

In this review, I've selected three shaver sockets that I frequently recommend to my clients. Whether you're a landlord needing a compliant budget fix for an EICR, or a homeowner wanting to charge a toothbrush and a phone simultaneously, I've got a recommendation for you.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Dual Voltage (115V/230V)"

The Theory

"Allows international travelers to use appliances from the US or Europe."

The Reality

In a standard UK rental or home, you will use the 230V side 99% of the time for your Oral-B toothbrush. The 115V is rarely used unless you have specific American grooming tech.

The Spec: "Continuous Charging"

The Theory

"You can leave your toothbrush on charge 24/7."

The Reality

Cheaper shaver transformers can get warm or hum if left under load permanently. It is often better to charge the device and then unplug it to prolong the life of the transformer.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

BG Electrical Dual Voltage Shaver Plug Socket, Screwless Flatplate, Brushed Steel

Budget Pick
BG Electrical Dual Voltage Shaver Plug Socket, Screwless Flatplate, Brushed Steel

British General

This BG Electrical unit is my go-to recommendation for clients who want a premium look without the premier price tag. The brushed steel finish looks far smarter than standard white plastic, and the screwless front plate keeps things looking tidy.

Price£14.94 (at time of writing)
BrandBritish General
Mounting Depth47mm minimum
FinishBrushed Steel / Grey Inserts
The Good
  • Screwless front plate prevents rust on fixing screws
  • Integrated moisture gasket is excellent for bathroom humidity
  • Looks significantly more expensive than it is
The Bad
  • Requires a deep 47mm back box (can be hard in solid brick walls)
  • Flat plate design shows up uneven tiling instantly

Installer Tip:

Because this is a 'flat plate' design, the transformer bulk sits further back. In the solid brick terraces we have in Leeds (like in Armley or Burley), chopping out 47mm of brick is tough work. Ensure you have the depth before buying.

Priced at £14.94 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Knightsbridge Screwless Shaver Socket with Dual USB A+C

Quality Pick
Knightsbridge Screwless Shaver Socket with Dual USB A+C

Knightsbridge

This is a serious upgrade for the modern bathroom. Not only does it handle your shavers and toothbrushes, but the integrated USB-A and USB-C ports mean you can charge newer devices safely. It's pricey, but it solves the 'dead battery' morning panic.

Price£58.29 (at time of writing)
BrandKnightsbridge
PortsDual Voltage + USB-A & USB-C
Profile4.3mm projection
The Good
  • Future-proof with USB-C charging
  • Stunning polished chrome finish
  • Allows safe charging of mobile devices in the bathroom
The Bad
  • Significantly more expensive than standard units
  • Polished chrome shows fingerprints/splashes easily

Installer Tip:

Don't confuse this with a standard bedroom USB socket. This unit contains the necessary isolation transformers to be safe in a bathroom. Do not try to install a regular USB socket in Zone 2—it won't pass an EICR.

Priced at £58.29 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Knightsbridge CU8900N Curved Edge Dual Voltage Shaver Socket with Neon

Problem-solving Pick
Knightsbridge CU8900N Curved Edge Dual Voltage Shaver Socket with Neon

Knightsbridge

For landlords or anyone needing a straightforward, compliant replacement, this is the one. It features a neon indicator light (helpful for troubleshooting) and a curved edge that is more forgiving on slightly uneven walls than flat-plate options. Reliable and cheap.

Price£13.69 (at time of writing)
BrandKnightsbridge
VoltageDual 115V/230V
DesignCurved Edge White Moulded
The Good
  • Very affordable replacement option
  • Neon light indicates when power is active
  • Curved edges blend better with older plaster/tiling
The Bad
  • Basic aesthetic compared to metal finishes
  • White plastic can discolour over many years

Installer Tip:

Ideally suited for rental properties where function trumps fashion. The curved edge is much easier to fit if your tiling isn't perfectly flat, as it hides the gap better than the BG flat plate model.

Priced at £13.69 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a shaver socket myself?
Electrical work in bathrooms is restricted under Part P of the Building Regulations. Whilst replacing an existing like-for-like accessory is sometimes permitted, it's a 'special location'. If you are unsure about safe zones or circuit isolation, call a professional. In Leeds, I see too many DIY bathroom jobs that fail safety checks.
Why does my shaver socket make a buzzing noise?
Shaver sockets contain an isolating transformer to make them safe for bathroom use. These transformers can sometimes vibrate, causing a low-level hum. If it's very loud, the unit may be faulty or the plates might be loose, but a quiet hum when charging is relatively normal.
Can I use a normal plug socket in a bathroom?
Absolutely not, unless it is at least 3 metres away from the bath or shower (which is rare in typical UK homes). Shaver sockets are the only exception because they use a transformer to separate the supply from the earth, reducing shock risk.
Do I need a 47mm back box for all these sockets?
Generally, yes. The transformer takes up a lot of space. If you have a shallow wall (common in Leeds terraces), we sometimes use a 'spacer' or a surface-mounted box, though this isn't as aesthetically pleasing.
Are USB shaver sockets safe for bathrooms?
Yes, provided they are purpose-built bathroom units like the Knightsbridge one reviewed here. These are designed with specific ingress protection and isolation. Never install a standard bedroom USB socket in a bathroom.

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