How to use your curling iron in Gibraltar

Gibraltar power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Gibraltar:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Gibraltar but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Gibraltar power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Gibraltar, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Gibraltar otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts used in Gibraltar you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Gibraltar read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Gibraltar

Will my curling iron work in Gibraltar?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 240 volts used in Gibraltar:

Can I use my American curling iron in Gibraltar?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from America travelling to Gibraltar and provide advice on using your American curling iron with a Gibraltar power outlet.

Gibraltar power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Gibraltar?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Gibraltar power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Gibraltar?

Power outlets in Gibraltar are 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Gibraltar?

Type C and G power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Gibraltar?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Gibraltar, these are type G and C with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket, technically known as a type G power outlet, looks like three vertical rectangular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 240 volt curling iron in Gibraltar is a Type G power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Gibraltar with a travel adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Gibraltar with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your hand luggage to Gibraltar?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Gibraltar will allow curling irons 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Gibraltar?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Gibraltar as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Gibraltar power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Gibraltar.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airline baggage handlers in Gibraltar. The costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Gibraltar could overshadow the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Gibraltar

Can I use my curling iron with a converter in Gibraltar?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Gibraltar. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Gibraltar?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Gibraltar?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Gibraltar, however a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 240 volts from a Gibraltar power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Gibraltar using a type C power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Gibraltar using a 2 pinned Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in Gibraltar; consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Gibraltar you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Gibraltar simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Gibraltar power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Gibraltar power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Gibraltar using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Gibraltar using a type G power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Gibraltar with a three pinned Type G travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Gibraltar won't take the plug on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Gibraltar simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it into the Gibraltar power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 3 holes with plastic shutters forming a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Gibraltar power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Gibraltar. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Gibraltar using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Gibraltar
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.