Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Wales?

Welsh power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Wales:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter for Wales 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 may still need a power adapter for Wales however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Welsh power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Wales, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Wales otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Wales you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Wales read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Wales

Will my curling iron work in Wales?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Wales:

How can I use my American curling iron in Wales?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from America visiting Wales and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Welsh power outlet.

Wales power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Wales?

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

What voltage is used in Wales?

Power outlets in Wales are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Wales?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Wales?

Type G power outlets are used in Wales. You can recognise the power outlet by 3 slots with plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern. A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Wales, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Wales. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Wales

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Wales with a curling iron

Can you take a curling iron in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Wales will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the 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 avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it better to bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Wales?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Welsh power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Wales. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Wales might outweigh the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Wales

Do I need a power converter for Wales to use my curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Wales. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel curling iron. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Wales, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Welsh power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Wales with a three pinned Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Wales; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Wales. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Wales simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it into the Welsh power outlet. The plug outlet (called a Type G power outlet [3]) can be identified by 3 slots containing shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Welsh power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Wales. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Wales using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Wales
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  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 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.