It's one of the most common surprises with a new electric toothbrush. The charger has two round pins, and the sockets around your home take three. Nothing is wrong with your toothbrush.
It's designed for the bathroom
For safety, UK bathrooms don't normally have standard 3-pin sockets. What many do have is a shaver socket, usually near the mirror or built into a light. Toothbrush and shaver chargers come with a 2-pin plug to fit it, so you can charge your brush where you use it.
What if I don't have a shaver socket?
You'll need a 2-pin to 3-pin shaver adaptor. Plug the charger into the adaptor, and the adaptor into any normal socket, for example in a bedroom or on the landing. They cost a few pounds. Look for one with a 1 amp fuse, made for shavers and toothbrushes.
Is it the same as a European plug?
No. A UK shaver plug looks similar to a European 2-pin plug, but its pins are closer together. Don't try to force it into a European socket or a European travel adaptor. If you're going abroad, take the right travel adaptor and check the voltage on your charger first.
Do all toothbrushes charge this way?
Not all. Oral-B chargers sold in the UK use the 2-pin shaver plug. Some other brushes and water flossers charge by USB instead, in which case you plug the cable into a USB wall plug. Check the "what's in the box" section on the product page before you buy.
A few safety points
- Never run an extension lead into the bathroom to charge your toothbrush.
- Keep the charger away from the bath, shower and basin.
- Don't use a damaged charger or cable.
Every electric toothbrush on our site lists its plug type, so you know what to expect before it arrives. Browse the oral care range.
Sources: Electric Teeth: 2 pin plugs and adapters for toothbrushes explained
