Using a curling iron in Martinique

Martinican power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Martinique:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Martinique however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Martinican power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Martinique, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Martinique otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Martinique check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Martinique

Will my curling iron work in Martinique?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Martinique:

Will my American curling iron work in Martinique?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US travelling to Martinique and provide guidance for using your American curling iron with a Martinican power outlet.

Martinique power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Martinican power outlet?

The frequency in a Martinican power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Martinique?

Power outlets in Martinique are 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Martinique?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Martinique?

There are three types of power outlets used in Martinique, these are type D, C and E with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet is identified by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type D - This plug outlet (also known as a type D power outlet) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type E - The sunken round plug outlet can be recognised by two 4.8mm round holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral plus a metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle pattern.

A Type D power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Martinique; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Martinique with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Martinique then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Martinican 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 220 volts used in a Martinican power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Martinique.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Martinique or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Martinique with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Martinique in my 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 United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Martinique 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 and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords 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 provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Martinique?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Martinican power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Martinique. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler in Martinique. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Martinique could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Martinique

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Martinique, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 220 volt Martinican power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Martinique. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron, however it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [9] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in Martinique using a two prong Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Martinique isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Martinique by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Martinican power outlet. The wall outlet is identified by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Martinican power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Martinique using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Martinique using a type D power adapter

A guide showing how to use a curling iron in Martinique with a Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Martinique - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Martinique. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Martinique 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the Martinican power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by three holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Martinican power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Martinique using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Martinique using a 2 pronged Type E travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Martinique you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Martinique 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The circular power supply (sometimes called the Type E power outlet [7] or CEE 7/7 plug) can be recognised by two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go plus one long metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Martinican power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Martinique using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Martinique
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.