My Philishave 5885 electrci shaver's rechargable battery stopped working about two years after it was bought new. The battery life kept getting shorter and shorter and then died. It then only operated from mains 240V power. Just before it stopped working it was left plugged in and turned on as if to recharge the battery. The unit was not turned on but it became very hot on the handle. Now it won't work at all. Any help would be grately appreciated. Thanks.

woodserjimmy, June 2008

It's an usual process of battery degradation. Any corded/cordless shaver need at least partially working battery in order to operate from the cord.

You shouldn't leave a shaver permanently connected to the outlet. Even if the battery is not holding a charge, over-charging it destroys it. A shaver's manual notes the recommended charging time. Charging for more than 24 hours irreversibly reduces the battery life.

Now the battery needs to be replaced. But there is a chance that the printed circuit board is also damaged by overheating so it may be better to purchase a new shaver. The battery(-s) is soldered to the printed circuit board - it's not an easy plug&play replacement.

A.R.S., December 2012