How do I use a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha?

Tristanian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Tristan da Cunha:

  • If your curling iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Tristan da Cunha however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Tristanian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Tristan da Cunha, therefore check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Tristan da Cunha otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Tristan da Cunha you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your curling iron in Tristan da Cunha please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha

Will my curling iron work in Tristan da Cunha?

This will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 240 volt power outlets in Tristan da Cunha:

Will my US curling iron work in Tristan da Cunha?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America travelling to Tristan da Cunha and provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Tristanian power outlet.

Tristan da Cunha power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Tristanian power outlet?

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

What is the voltage in Tristan da Cunha?

The normal voltage in Tristan da Cunha is 240 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha?

Type G power outlets are used in Tristan da Cunha. You can recognise this wall socket by the 3 vertical rectangular holes with shutters forming a triangle configuration. A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Tristan da Cunha, read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha with a power adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha?

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

One way to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Tristan da Cunha then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Tristanian power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 240 volts used in a Tristanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Tristan da Cunha.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Tristan da Cunha or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Tristan da Cunha with a curling iron

Can you bring a curling iron in your carry on to Tristan da Cunha?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Tristan da Cunha will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should I bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Tristan da Cunha?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Tristan da Cunha as it ensures that it will work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Tristanian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Tristan da Cunha. It is also worth concidering that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Tristan da Cunha. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Tristan da Cunha might overshadow the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Tristan da Cunha

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Tristan da Cunha?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Tristan da Cunha?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Tristan da Cunha, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms a 240 volt Tristanian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter for Tristan da Cunha to use my curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Tristan da Cunha. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to bring their existing curling iron, but it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha using a type G power adapter

A guide on how to power a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha with a 3 prong Type G travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 240 volts for use in Tristan da Cunha, please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Tristan da Cunha. This Type G plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Tristan da Cunha simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type G plug adapter in the Tristanian power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the 3 vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tristanian power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Tristan da Cunha using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tristanian Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  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 curling irons -
  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.