Aland,
the point is that the socket the radio's plugged into is fed via an isolating transformer and can only supply enough current to opperate an electric shaver or a tooth brush.
It's not just a normal outlet with a 2 pin plug.
In the case of a radio, i'm suggesting a normal moulded euro-plug.
Specs:
This design incorporates a double
wound isolating transformer rated
20VA at 230 or 115 volts it meets
BS.3535: 1996 making it safe for
use in bathrooms. Insertion of a
shaver plug automatically switches
on by energising the primary side
of the isolating transformer -
removal automatically switches off.
The transformer is protected
against overload by an automatic
solid state overload device with
automatic resetting.
I'd be loathed to see BS1363 plugs and sockets in bathrooms for the following reasons:
1) Many UK homes still don't have RCD protection and use 32A ring circuits.
2) Most UK hairdryers have a rewirable plug, this includes many new appliences as the UK plug is an odd-ball many manufacturers seem to fit rewirable versions. It seems they may even be manufactured with schuko / euro plugs fitted and then snipped off for UK localisation due to the smaller relative size of the market. The rewirable plug is not very well protected against the ingress of water.
3) BS1363's design puts your fingers very close to the pins when the plug is being inserted. This is not true of Schuko or French plugs being inserted into a recessed 16A socket. Wet fingers and a BS1363 plug could potentially be a bad combination.
[This message has been edited by djk (edited 02-07-2005).]