Heated/Lighted Bathroom Mirror - Shaver Transformer Buzzing

ericmark · Post by **ericmark** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:37 am

To use a shaver outlet in a bathroom looking at BS EN 61558-2-5 and this limits output to 200 VA and requires the output to be switched by plugging in the shaver, so for a mirror designed for bathroom use, the transformer will only make a noise when the shaver is plugged in. If it does not auto switch off when the shaver is unplugged then it is faulty, simply return it.

To alter things in a type tested unit designed for the bathroom is not really a good idea, however an inferred detector may have a semi-conductor or a relay, the semi-conductor type would not be permitted in a bathroom, as it could go faulty and not turn off, the spec says so many mm gap required on the contacts.

But nitty gritty answer is Wickes should not sell that unit for bathroom use, or at least if they do should say must be 3 meters from bath or shower. The shaver output does not comply with British regulations. Mirror seems OK just the shaver outlet.

OnlyMe · Post by **OnlyMe** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 9:41 am

What a load of b*llocks.

The shaver socket is supplied by an isolating transformer. BS EN 61558-2-5 applies and it can be fitted in zone 2

ericmark · Post by **ericmark** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 11:11 am

BS EN 61558-2-5 does not simply say isolation transformer, I have not got the paper, but seem to remember it needs to ensure the 120 volt and 230 volt can't be used at the same time, and the supply only switches on when a plug is inserted, and a 200 VA limit. Fact that transformer is buzzing all the time, clearly it is not turning off when plug is with drawn.

So the sockets

: temp-socket.jpg (24.93 KiB) Viewed 1188 times

can both be used together, looking at the data sheet it seems quite an old product, says IEE not IET for example. It states product is IP44 and suitable for zone 2, so clearly designed for the bathroom, the BS number has changed over the years, BS4573 does not have a transformer, it does seem the logo

: Shave.jpg (20.76 KiB) Viewed 1188 times

must be shown.

So

BS7671:2008 wrote:701.512.2 External influences
Installed electrical equipment shall have at least the following degrees of protection:
(i) In zone 0: IPX7
(ii) In zones 1 and 2: IPX4.
This requirement does not apply to shaver supply units complying with BS EN 61558-2-5 installed in zone 2 and
located where direct spray from showers is unlikely.
Electrical equipment exposed to water jets, e.g. for cleaning purposes, shall have a degree of protection of at least IPX5.

and

Wickes advert wrote:P44 rated- suitable for splashzones

don't seem to line up, also it says "Install in either portrait or horizontal orientation" that would put socket either on the top where water can go into the socket, or bottom where plug would likely fall out.

OnlyMe · Post by **OnlyMe** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 7:13 pm

The logo on that mirror is on the flap that covers the sockets. It only applies to BS EN 61558-2-5 shaver units.

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Oslo-LE ... m/p/144210#

Zoom in over the picture you copied and pasted to see it.

The OP is going to look a bit of a t*at if he returns it to the shop saying that it buzzes when there is nothing plugged into the shaver socket without knowing if BS EN 61558-2-5 actually requires the transformer to switch off if there is nothing plugged into it but instead quotes you as saying " I have not got the paper" and all the other stuff you can "remember" but cannot not back up with facts.

I would hope that the Wickes mirror has interlocking shutters to prevent both sockets being used at the same time. 19.112 of BS EN 61558-2-5 applies.

The maximum load a BS EN 61558-2-5 shaver unit can supply is 50VA and must be capable of a minimum of 20VA. 6.102 of BS EN 61558-2-5 applies

So must a shaver unit stop powering a transformer if nothing is plugged into the socket? BS EN 61558-2-5 applies and makes no mention of such a requirement. BS EN 61558-2-5 does specify a no load maximum voltage of 275V.