How do I use my curling iron in Montserrat?

Montserratian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Montserrat:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Montserrat however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Montserratian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Montserrat, so check that your power converter includes the right power adapter for Montserrat otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Montserrat you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Montserrat check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Montserrat

Will my curling iron work in Montserrat?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Montserrat:

Will my US curling iron work in Montserrat?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US travelling to Montserrat and provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Montserratian power outlet.

Montserrat power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Montserrat?

Power outlets in Montserrat are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a Montserratian power outlet?

The frequency used in a Montserratian power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Montserrat?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Montserrat?

There are two types of power outlets used in Montserrat, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this power socket by two slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the wall socket by the two thin slots for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the earthed pin.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt curling iron in Montserrat is a Type B plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Montserrat. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Montserrat with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Montserrat?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Montserrat as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Montserratian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Montserrat. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler in Montserrat. The costs of replacing an expensive quality curling iron in Montserrat might outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Montserrat 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, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons 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.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Montserrat

Do I need a voltage converter in Montserrat to use my curling iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Montserrat. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their own curling iron, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Montserratian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Montserrat. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Montserrat using a type B power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Montserrat with a 3 pinned Type B power charger.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Montserrat, please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Montserrat. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Montserrat by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircle hole below for the earth pin. Be aware that power cables with type B plugs which are rated at 125 V should not be used in Montserrat so we suggest checking first.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Montserratian power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be used in Montserrat. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Montserrat using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Montserrat using a type A power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Montserrat with a 2 blade Type A power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Montserrat - please refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is located.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your curling iron will work with a 230 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Montserrat. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Montserrat by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades. Note that power cables with type A plugs which are rated at 125 V shouldn't be used in Montserrat so please check first.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Montserratian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Montserrat. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Montserrat using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Montserratian Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.