Which travel adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha?

Tristanian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Tristan da Cunha?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Tristan da Cunha:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 240 volt Tristanian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Tristan da Cunha, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Tristan da Cunha otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before using your hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha

Will my hair straighteners work in Tristan da Cunha?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 240 volts as used in Tristan da Cunha. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 240 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in Tristan da Cunha. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic hair straighteners for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

How can I use my US hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Tristan da Cunha and provide guidance for using your American hair straighteners with a Tristanian power outlet.

Tristan da Cunha power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Tristan da Cunha?

The frequency of the current from a Tristanian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Tristan da Cunha?

The typical residential voltage in Tristan da Cunha is 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha?

The type of power outlet used in Tristan da Cunha is type G. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use 240 volt hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

The method to tell if your hair straighteners can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your hair straighteners. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Tristan da Cunha then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Tristanian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 240 volts used in a Tristanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Tristan da Cunha.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Tristan da Cunha or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Tristan da Cunha with hair straighteners

Can I bring hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I bring hair straighteners in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Tristan da Cunha will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should you bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Tristan da Cunha?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Tristan da Cunha as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Tristanian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Tristan da Cunha.

Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Tristan da Cunha. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha might overshadow the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Tristan da Cunha

Do you need a voltage converter to use hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Tristan da Cunha. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it might be considerably less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Tristan da Cunha, however a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform a 240 volt Tristanian power outlet to work with non-240 volt hair straighteners. [5] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [14] [16] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha using a type G power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha with a 3 pronged Type G power charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Tristan da Cunha. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Tristan da Cunha by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tristanian power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners in Tristan da Cunha. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Tristan da Cunha using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tristan da Cunha page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  5. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  11. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  12. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..