Using your curling iron in Saint Kitts

St Kitts power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Saint Kitts:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Saint Kitts however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt St Kitts power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Saint Kitts, therefore please check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Saint Kitts otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Saint Kitts you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Saint Kitts please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Saint Kitts

Will my curling iron work in Saint Kitts?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Saint Kitts:

How can I use my US curling iron in Saint Kitts?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Saint Kitts and provide guidance for using your American curling iron with a St Kitts power outlet.

Saint Kitts power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Saint Kitts?

The frequency of the current from a St Kitts power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

What mains voltage is used in Saint Kitts?

Power outlets in Saint Kitts are 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Saint Kitts?

There are four types of power outlets used in Saint Kitts, these are type G, A, B and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - The power socket (known as the type A power outlet) is identified by the 2 thin adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two slots adjacent to each other with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this power outlet by the three holes forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type G - The wall socket (known as a type G power outlet) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes containing plastic shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.

A suitable power adapter to bring for using a 230 volt curling iron in Saint Kitts is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Saint Kitts. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Saint Kitts?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This 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, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change 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 230 volts used in Saint Kitts then you should be able to use your curling iron with a St Kitts power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a St Kitts power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Saint Kitts.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Saint Kitts or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Saint Kitts with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Saint Kitts?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is taking you to Saint Kitts will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the 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 wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices 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 advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

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

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Saint Kitts as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a St Kitts power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Saint Kitts. Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Saint Kitts could be higher than buying a cheaper 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 damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Kitts

Can you use your curling iron with a converter for Saint Kitts?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Kitts. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [11] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt St Kitts power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper 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 Kitts. [11] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Saint Kitts using a Type B travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue 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 230 volt setting to use in Saint Kitts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Saint Kitts isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saint Kitts simply 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 supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it in the St Kitts power outlet. This power supply (sometimes called the Type B power outlet [3]) is identified by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Kitts power outlet. Your curling iron should now be ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Kitts using a type B power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Saint Kitts using a Type D power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Kitts, consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Saint Kitts won't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Saint Kitts by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this power supply by the three holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Kitts power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron for use in Saint Kitts. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Kitts using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Saint Kitts with a 3 pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue 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 you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Kitts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Saint Kitts isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saint Kitts simply 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 supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the St Kitts power outlet. This power supply (sometimes called the Type G power outlet [7]) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Kitts power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Kitts using a type G power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Saint Kitts with a 2 pronged Type A power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue 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 accept 230 volts, please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
  2. This guide assumes 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 you will still need to check that your curling iron can work with a 230 volt power supply). If the type of power outlet used in Saint Kitts isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [10]. This plug adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saint Kitts simply 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 supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it in the St Kitts power outlet. This power supply (sometimes called the Type A power outlet [9]) is identified by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Kitts power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Kitts using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Kitts Wikipedia page
  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 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 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 A power outlet
  10. 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..
  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.