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

Grenadines power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in The Grenadines:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for The Grenadines 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 Grenadines 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 The Grenadines, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for The Grenadines 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. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in The Grenadines 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 The Grenadines read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Grenadines

Will my curling iron work in The Grenadines?

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

How can I use my American curling iron in The Grenadines?

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

The Grenadines power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in The Grenadines?

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

What voltage is used in The Grenadines?

Power outlets in The Grenadines are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in The Grenadines?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall outlet by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise the plug socket by 3 slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  • Plug Type I - You can recognise the plug socket by 3 slots in an upside-down triangle shape with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type K - You can recognise the power outlet by 3 holes in an upside-down triangular pattern with the bottom hole appearing semicircular in shape.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in The Grenadines, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for The Grenadines. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also have to use a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in The Grenadines?

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 The Grenadines then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Grenadines 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 Grenadines power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in The Grenadines.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in The Grenadines or any other country.

Travelling to The Grenadines 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 The Grenadines 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.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

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

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 Grenadines power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for The Grenadines. 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 The Grenadines 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.  [15] [AD]

Power converters for The Grenadines

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

Voltage converter

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

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 The Grenadines, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Grenadines power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [11] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for The Grenadines 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 The Grenadines. 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. [11] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The Grenadines using a type C power adapter

How to use your curling iron in The Grenadines by using a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure 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 don't proceed because you might 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 you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in The Grenadines; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in The Grenadines won't take the plug of your curling iron. This power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in The Grenadines simply 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Grenadines power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Grenadines power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in The Grenadines. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Grenadines using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in The Grenadines with a two pinned Type E travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in The Grenadines you'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6]. The Type E plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in The Grenadines by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First insert the Type E plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into and one metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangular pattern.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Grenadines power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in The Grenadines. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Grenadines using a type E power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in The Grenadines by using a Type G power charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in The Grenadines you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [8]. The Type G plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in The Grenadines simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. This power outlet, technically known as the Type G power outlet [7], looks like three vertical rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Grenadines power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in The Grenadines. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Grenadines using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Grenadines using a type K power adapter

How to use your curling iron in The Grenadines with a two pin Type K 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 don't proceed because you may 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 make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in The Grenadines won't take the plug on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type K plug adapter [10]. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in The Grenadines 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 by inserting the Type K plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes called a Type K power outlet [9]) looks like three large holes forming an upside-down triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Grenadines power outlet. Your curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Grenadines using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about The Grenadines
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.