Using your curling iron in Saint Vincent

St Vincentian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Saint Vincent:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Saint Vincent 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 230 volt St Vincentian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Saint Vincent, so please check that the power converter includes the right power adapter for Saint Vincent otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Saint Vincent you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Saint Vincent please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Saint Vincent

Will my curling iron work in Saint Vincent?

This depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Saint Vincent:

Can I use my US curling iron in Saint Vincent?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Saint Vincent and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a St Vincentian power outlet.

Saint Vincent power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Saint Vincent?

The common residential voltage in Saint Vincent is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a St Vincentian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a St Vincentian power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Saint Vincent?

There are five different types of power outlets used in Saint Vincent, types G, C, E, I and K with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded wall socket is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type E - The circular plug outlet, technically called a CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by the two circular holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral and a single metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise the wall socket by three rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type I - The power outlet (also known as a type I power outlet) can be recognised by the three slots for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  • Plug Type K - The power outlet (also known as a type K power outlet) looks like three holes forming an inverted triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.

A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Saint Vincent - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent with a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also need to use a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Saint Vincent?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to change 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 Saint Vincent then you should be able to use your curling iron with a St Vincentian 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 St Vincentian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Saint Vincent.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Saint Vincent or any other country.

Travelling to Saint Vincent with a curling iron

Should you bring your travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Saint Vincent?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a St Vincentian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Saint Vincent. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience of replacing an expensive quality curling iron in Saint Vincent might be higher than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [14] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Saint Vincent will allow curling irons 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 cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). 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 offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Vincent

Do you need a converter for Saint Vincent to use a curling iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Vincent. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron, however it might be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [11] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Saint Vincent, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a St Vincentian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [11] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Vincent - please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Saint Vincent you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Saint Vincent by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the St Vincentian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two round holes next to each other.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Vincentian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron for use in Saint Vincent. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent using a Type E travel 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 but if not then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Saint Vincent. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Saint Vincent simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the St Vincentian power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by the two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go and a single metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular configuration.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Vincentian power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron in Saint Vincent. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent using a type E power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use your curling iron in Saint Vincent with a 3 pinned Type G power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet used in Saint Vincent doesn't accomodate the plug shape of your curling iron. The Type G plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Saint Vincent simply 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 the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the St Vincentian power outlet. This wall outlet (known as a Type G power outlet [7]) can be recognised by 3 vertical rectangular slots forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Vincentian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron is ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent using a type K power adapter

A page showing how to power your curling iron in Saint Vincent with a two pinned Type K power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [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 iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Vincent, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Saint Vincent you will need to use a Type K plug adapter [10]. The Type K plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Saint Vincent by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type K plug adapter into the St Vincentian power outlet. This plug outlet, sometimes known as a Type K power outlet [9], can be recognised by 3 large holes in an upside-down triangular configuration with the bottom hole being in a semicircle shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Vincentian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Vincent using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - St Vincentian Wikipedia web page
  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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.