Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Micronesia?

Micronesian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Micronesia:

  • If your curling iron can run using 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Micronesia 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 120 volt Micronesian 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 not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Micronesia, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Micronesia otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 120 volts you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Micronesia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Micronesia

Will my curling iron work in Micronesia?

This will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 120 volt power outlets in Micronesia:

Will my US curling iron work in Micronesia?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from America travelling to Micronesia and provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Micronesian power outlet.

Micronesia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Micronesia?

The normal voltage in Micronesia is 120 volts.

What frequency is used in Micronesia?

The frequency of the current found in a Micronesian power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Micronesia?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Micronesia?

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

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed power socket, technically called a type A power outlet, can be identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other where the two pins go.
  • Plug Type B - This wall socket, technically known as a type B power outlet, is identified by two slots where the blades go with a hole below for the longer earth pin.

A Type B power adapter allows you to use a 120 volt curling iron in Micronesia; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a travel adapter for Micronesia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Micronesia

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

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

Travelling to Micronesia with a curling iron

Should I bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Micronesia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Micronesia as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Micronesian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Micronesia. Please note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Micronesia. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Micronesia could overshadow the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Micronesia will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). 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 most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Micronesia

Do you need a converter in Micronesia to use your curling iron?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 120 volt power outlet used in Micronesia. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic curling iron, but it could be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms the voltage of 120 volts from a Micronesian power outlet to work with a non-120 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Micronesia. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing you how to use your curling iron in Micronesia by using a three pin Type B power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 120 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Micronesia you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Micronesia 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 120 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The plug supply, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3], is identified by 2 slots where the plug outlet blades go with a hole below for the longer ground pin.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Micronesian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Micronesia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Micronesia using a type B power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Micronesia with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may 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 120 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. Please check that you are not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your curling iron will work with a 120 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Micronesia. This Type A plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Micronesia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type A plug adapter in the Micronesian power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the two plug outlet blades go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Micronesian power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron to use in Micronesia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Micronesia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Micronesia
  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.