Using hair straighteners in Jersey

Jersey power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Jersey?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Jersey:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Jersey power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Jersey, therefore check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Jersey otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts used in Jersey you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Jersey please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Jersey

Will my hair straighteners work in Jersey?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volts used in Jersey:

Can I use my US hair straighteners in Jersey?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader visiting Jersey and provide guidance for using your US hair straighteners with a Jersey power outlet.

Jersey power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Jersey power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Jersey power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Jersey?

Power outlets in Jersey are 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in Jersey?

Type G power outlets are used in Jersey. The power outlet (also known as a type G power outlet) looks like 3 rectangular slots forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth. A recommended plug adapter to bring when using 230 volt hair straighteners in Jersey is a Type G power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Jersey. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need when using  hair straighteners in Jersey?

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?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of the hair straighteners. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Jersey then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Jersey 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 230 volts used in a Jersey power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Jersey.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Jersey or any other country.
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Travelling to Jersey with hair straighteners

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Jersey?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Jersey?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Jersey will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around 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 offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it better to bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Jersey?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Jersey as it ensures that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Jersey power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Jersey.

Please be aware that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Jersey could outweigh the cost of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Jersey

Can I use my hair straighteners with a voltage converter for Jersey?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Jersey. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it might be cheaper to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also significantly heavier and bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Jersey power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Jersey. [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?

Energy saving outlet with timer

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.
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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 Jersey using a type G power adapter

A page showing how to power your hair straighteners in Jersey with a three pinned Type G power adapter.

  1. Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Jersey you will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Jersey by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. The wall outlet (known as the Type G power outlet [3]) looks like 3 vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Jersey power outlet. The straighteners should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Jersey using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Jersey Wikipedia page
  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..