Charging electric toothbrush in the USA

Bes · 1 Dec 2008 at 15:14

Hi

I have an Oral B toothbrush and am wondering if I can charge it via a normal socket here in the US? (Using an adaptor of course) (I called the receptionist, and asked the voltage but she had no idea). It seems the normal shaver sockets these things use are not used in the US

Any ideas?

Thanks

mjer1984 · 1 Dec 2008 at 15:17

when i was in the US i charged mine using the america to england converter, then the 2 socket plug you need anyway. It tuck ages to charge and got quite warm but seemed to work.

Hate · 1 Dec 2008 at 15:23

The US sockets will be 120V, Surely you'll not be out there long enough to let it completely drain? You can still use it manually, ya know

Bes · 1 Dec 2008 at 15:27

I've been on the road for a couple of weeks now and havent bothered to charge it yet- thinking I could do so when I got to San Fran, so it's pretty dead

Jonnycoupe · 1 Dec 2008 at 15:39

Its like a razor it will take both.

My house has both 110v and 240v shaver sockets

Scougar · 1 Dec 2008 at 15:51

USA is 110V as mentioned above. Check the toothbrush instructions, the charger may already accept both voltage types

If not, just get an adaptor online (Shops rip you off for this type of product)

DampCat · 1 Dec 2008 at 16:09

I hate to be pedantic... but cant you just buy a $1.50 toothbrush and not worry about it? It's not like your dental situation will deteriorate exponentially over that period of time.

Chojin · 1 Dec 2008 at 17:49

If the receptionist doesn't know ask for her superior.

EvilCensor · 1 Dec 2008 at 17:53

Look for anything on the device that says 110 - 230 volts.. normally does.

Tomsk · 1 Dec 2008 at 18:32

EvilCensor said:
Look for anything on the device that says 110 - 230 volts.. normally does.

My oral-B base/charger is 230V only.

FrostedNipple · 2 Dec 2008 at 01:36

US, although runs at only 110V, so you think it is safer than the UK's 230V, it actually carries more current (possibly double, might be wrong though). It would explain why the user above had his appliance take 'ages' to charge, but also got very warm. With little appliances that don't have much 'tech' in them, you should be safe just to plug it straight in.

Reginald · 2 Dec 2008 at 01:41

Some bathrooms depending on where youre staying will have both 110/220 shaver sockets and you can use a cheap adaptor (hotels usually have them too to borrow). Im not sure about plugging it straight in if the base says 230v... might fuse it.

FrostedNipple · 2 Dec 2008 at 01:44

Reginald said:
Some bathrooms depending on where youre staying will have both 110/220 shaver sockets and you can use a cheap adaptor (hotels usually have them too to borrow). Im not sure about plugging it straight in if the base says 230v... might fuse it.

A toothbrush is a very simple item though. My house has a 230v and 110v socket (2 in 1 jobbie) I've plugged the electric toothbrush into both before (curiosity) and no harm has come of it. If the actual sockets are different, then just get a socket adapter, don't bother with any transformers or anything.