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Professional Guide

Best Shaver Sockets for Bathrooms: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

A shavers socket seems like a simple bit of kit, doesn't it? That is, until it starts making that annoying buzzing sound in the middle of the night, or stops charging your toothbrush completely. In the damp environment of a bathroom, cheap components degrade quickly, often leading to nuisance tripping or burnt-out transformers.

Working in Leeds, specifically in the older Victorian properties where solid brick walls make chasing deep back boxes a nightmare, I've learned that size and build quality matter immensely. You need a unit that fits properly, seals against moisture, and provides safe isolation for your appliances.

In this review, I've selected three shaver sockets I regularly install for my clients. Whether you are looking for a sleek finish to match a new renovation, a bulletproof unit for a rental property, or a smart replacement with an indicator light, I've got you covered.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: ""Fits Standard Back Box""

The Theory

"Manufacturers claim these fit standard boxes."

The Reality

Most shaver sockets require a 47mm deep back box because the transformer is bulky. In older Leeds houses with shallow plaster, this often means chiselling out brickwork—a messy job.

The Spec: "Constant Use"

The Theory

"You can leave your toothbrush charging permanently."

The Reality

Ideally, you shouldn't. Older or cheaper transformers can get quite warm and eventually hum. Modern quality units handle this better, but they still consume energy constantly when switched on.

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 homeowners who want their bathroom to look high-end without the designer price tag. The screwless brushed steel finish looks incredibly smart, and at just under £15, it's excellent value compared to similar spec items.

Price£14.94 (at the time of writing)
FinishBrushed Steel (Screwless)
Box DepthRequires 47mm
The Good
  • Premium 'screwless' look hides the fixings perfectly
  • Moisture gasket helps protect the metal from tarnishing
  • Excellent price point for a metal finish
The Bad
  • Flat plate design is unforgiving on uneven walls
  • Requires a deep 47mm back box

Installer Tip:

Because this is a flat plate, your tiling or plasterwork needs to be perfectly flat. If the wall is bumpy, the clip-on front won't sit flush. Also, do not forget to earth the front plate—safety first!

Priced at £14.94 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Schneider Electric Lisse White Moulded Shaver Socket

Quality Pick
Schneider Electric Lisse White Moulded Shaver Socket

Schneider Electric

Schneider is a brand that electricians trust implicitly. This Lisse unit is expensive for a white plastic socket, but you are paying for the internals. It uses high-quality anti-microbial urea (a type of durable plastic) and has a smooth action that feels built to last for decades.

Price£31.32 (at the time of writing)
BrandSchneider Electric
MaterialAnti-microbial Urea
The Good
  • Superior build quality intended for long-term use
  • Anti-microbial properties make it hygienic for bathrooms
  • Slightly shallower depth requirement (40mm) than some rivals
The Bad
  • Significantly more expensive than budget rivals
  • Basic white appearance might not suit luxury bathrooms

Installer Tip:

This unit works with a 40mm back box, which can be a lifesaver in older Leeds properties where digging an extra 7mm out of a solid brick wall is difficult. It is the best choice for landlords who don't want to replace the unit again in two years.

Priced at £31.32 at the time of writing

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Knightsbridge Curved Edge Dual Voltage Shaver Socket with Neon

Problem-Solving
Knightsbridge Curved Edge Dual Voltage Shaver Socket with Neon

Knightsbridge

This Knightsbridge unit includes a small but vital feature: a neon indicator light. In my line of work (Fault Finding), this is brilliant. It lets the user know instantly if power is reaching the socket, saving unnecessary call-outs when a toothbrush simply isn't charging. The curved edges also look softer than standard square units.

Price£13.69 (at the time of writing)
FeatureNeon Indicator
StyleCurved Edge White
The Good
  • Neon indicator confirms power is live (great for troubleshooting)
  • Isolating transformer for safety
  • Very affordable price
The Bad
  • Neon light remains on, which might annoy some sleepers in en-suites
  • Plastic finish is standard grade

Installer Tip:

If you are managing a rental property or student HMO, fit this one. When a tenant complains their shaver isn't working, you can ask 'Is the little light on?'. If yes, it's their shaver. If no, it's the circuit. It saves time and confusion.

Priced at £13.69 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my shaver socket buzzing?
A buzzing sound usually comes from the isolation transformer inside the socket. It functions by vibrating plates to convert voltage. Over time, or with cheaper units, these plates can loosen, causing a loud hum. If it's loud enough to be a nuisance, the unit likely needs replacing.
Can I install a shaver socket myself?
In England, work in a bathroom 'special location' (zones) often requires notification under Part P of the Building Regulations, though replacing an existing accessory is usually fine. However, you must ensure the circuit is RCD protected. Given the proximity to water, I always advise getting a professional in for bathroom electrics.
Can I charge my electric toothbrush in a shaver socket?
Yes, absolutely. Most shaver sockets have a dual voltage output (115V and 230V). In the UK, you simply plug your standard 2-pin toothbrush charger into the 230V/240V side. It is designed exactly for this purpose.
What does a dual voltage shaver socket do?
It provides two outputs: 230V for UK/European standard devices and 115V for devices from the US or other regions. Crucially, it uses an isolating transformer, meaning there is no direct electrical connection to the mains, which dramatically reduces the risk of electric shock in the bathroom.
I live in an old Leeds terrace; will these fit my walls?
Be fastidious about checking the depth. Solid brick walls in places like Harehills often have shallow back boxes. Shaver sockets are deep (Transformers take up space). You will likely need a 47mm deep box. If your current box is shallow, we can chop out the brick to make it deeper, but it is a bit of a messy job.

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