How do I use a curling iron in Miquelon?

Miquelonnais power outlet

Summary

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Miquelon but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Miquelonnais power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Miquelon, therefore check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Miquelon otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Miquelon read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Miquelon

Will my curling iron work in Miquelon?

This will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volts as used in Miquelon. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Miquelon. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Can I use my American curling iron in Miquelon?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Miquelon and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Miquelonnais power outlet.

Miquelon power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Miquelon?

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

What is the mains voltage in Miquelon?

Power outlets in Miquelon are 230 volts.

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

The type of power outlet used in Miquelon is type E. You can recognise the power outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes with a single long metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangular pattern. A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Miquelon, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Miquelon using a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also have to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle 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 230 volts used in Miquelon then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Miquelonnais power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Miquelonnais power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Miquelon.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Miquelon or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Miquelon with a curling iron

Can you bring a curling iron in your carry on hand luggage?

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 check that your airline which is taking you to Miquelon will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Miquelon?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Miquelon as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Miquelonnais power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Miquelon.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Miquelon could overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Miquelon

Do you need a voltage converter in Miquelon to use a curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Miquelon. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their existing curling iron, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Miquelon, however a heavy and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Miquelonnais power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Miquelon using a type E power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Miquelon by using a two prong Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Miquelon isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Miquelon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the Miquelonnais power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go and a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangle shape.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Miquelonnais power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Miquelon. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Miquelon using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Miquelon
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.