Philips Wallwart ID?

[Station X]

I found this during a clear out. Input 120VAC or 240VAC, output 3.8VAC 4VA. It is working.

It fits a UK 5A two pin socket. The output lead has two sockets approx. 4mm centre to centre and approx. 3mm diameter

Does anyone know what it was intended to be used for?

One often sees wanted ads on here for power leads etc. Maybe there's still a use for it?

[paulsherwin]

I'd guess it's a Philishave shaver charger.

[Nuvistor]

It does look like a plug used on shavers.
Frank

[julie_m]

I'd put money on it being a charger for a shaver with a 2.4V NiCd battery. I think if it was for a toothbrush, the main housing would more probably have been in smooth white plastic. (The finish on that one just doesn't make me think of clean teeth.)

[Maarten]

It looks like a shaver charger. I would date it around 1970 plus or minus 5 years. Could you please read and post the 12 digit type code? I can't quite read it in the picture.

[Station X]

The code is 4722 028 93970.

Thanks.

[Maarten]

Are you absolutely sure on the 7 as second digit? I would have never expected that as it wasn't defined in 1967 (I have no newer official information unfortunately, but it seems close enough to the date of manufacture) and I have also never seen it used in thousands of other code numbers.

[Station X]

Even with a magnifier it's difficult to tell, as the plastic is worn at that point. Could be:-

4222 028 93970

[Maarten]

That sounds quite plausible. It would confirm its application in domestic or personal care appliances such as shavers. 43 or 48 would have also been plausible but not point to a particular application.

For the sake of completeness the meaning of the first digits for 12NC code numbers starting with 4 (all used as internal article codes except 48) is as follows:
40 industrial equipment
42 domestic appliances and personal care
43 various components and equipment (I have a transformer datasheet starting with 4322 027, but 4322 028 seems to be used in PLC's)
44 lighting armatures and fittings
45 medical equipment
46 large domestic appliances
48 service numbers (basically the only category in this list that could be ordered directly through companies such as CES)
49 music industry (records, prerecorded tapes, etc)

Unfortunately, this particular number appears to be too old for me to look up through regular channels but I'm now 95% sure it's a shaver charger.

[Station X]

Thanks for that Maarten.

One thing that strikes me about it is that it's much better made than modern wallwarts and can actually be taken apart by removing a few screws.

I'll put it in my box of wallwarts which probably means it'll be skipped when I die or downsize.

[mike_newcomb]

Hi Graham, agree with others above, it does look very much as if it is for a Rechargeable Razor. An early generation one from the late 60's, early 70's, when the psu's were external.

I have one in London, but am unable to check the model number as am in Contursi Terme, south of Salerno, until Thursday. Temperatures here in the mid 30's during the day - somewhat hot!

Things were made to last then. The Razor is still functions when required. Problem is spares such as Motor Brushes seem impossible to obtain. Used to be specialist shops around, for parts or repair, but all those I knew have long closed.

Regards - Mike

[emeritus]

If the brushes are Carbon, then you can sometimes make your own by getting some larger ones and cutting slightly oversize with a junior hacksaw, then finishing to size by rubbing on a sheet of abrasive paper. My local repair shop stocks brushes for Dysons that I have cut down in this way. That was for a motor where the brushes have integral copper braids, which Dyson ones have. You have more choice when brushes are plain.

[mike_newcomb]

Hi, as promised here are some photos.

The Wart is definitely type 4222 028 93970.

The triple head Philishave-3 Razor, is *possibly* Type HP1309, stamped on its Casing. However, I seem to recall the Casing was changed for a later style. It still runs when connected to the mains, but understandingly the Battery or Batteries no longer accept a charge. Not bad after being around 50 Years old!

Emeritus - thanks for your suggestion regarding Carbon Brushes but as can be seen the Brushes are shaped (sprung copper?) ones, shown in the last photo against a 1p coin.

Regards - Mike

[Station X]

Thanks Mike.

That's a definitive ID.

If you want a spare charger it's yours for the £2.90 postage.