Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in New Caledonia?

New Caledonian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in New Caledonia?

Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in New Caledonia:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in New Caledonia, therefore check that the power converter has an appropriate power adapter for New Caledonia otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in New Caledonia you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in New Caledonia please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in New Caledonia

Will my hair straighteners work in New Caledonia?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in New Caledonia. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your hair straighteners in New Caledonia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our section on do you need a voltage converter to use a hair straighteners for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my US hair straighteners work in New Caledonia?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting New Caledonia and will provide advice on using your American hair straighteners with a New Caledonian power outlet.

New Caledonia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in New Caledonia?

The frequency from a New Caledonian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in New Caledonia?

The typical voltage in New Caledonia is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in New Caledonia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in New Caledonia?

There are two types of power outlets used in New Caledonia, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet can be recognised by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This circular plug socket can be identified by the two large circular holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral along with thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using 220 volt hair straighteners in New Caledonia is a Type F plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in New Caledonia with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your hair straighteners. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in New Caledonia then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a New Caledonian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a New Caledonian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in New Caledonia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in New Caledonia or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to New Caledonia with hair straighteners

Can you pack hair straighteners in your hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you pack hair straighteners in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline who is flying you to New Caledonia will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to New Caledonia?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to New Caledonia as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a New Caledonian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for New Caledonia. Please note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing expensive specialised hair straighteners in New Caledonia could be higher than purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, or use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without risk of burning.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for New Caledonia

Do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners in New Caledonia?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in New Caledonia. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing hair straighteners, but it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in New Caledonia, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter converts a 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [16] [18] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in New Caledonia using a type C power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in New Caledonia with a two pin Type C power charger.

  1. Make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in New Caledonia you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in New Caledonia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the New Caledonian power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the New Caledonian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in New Caledonia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in New Caledonia using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

Instructions on how to power hair straighteners in New Caledonia with a Type F power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in New Caledonia you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in New Caledonia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the New Caledonian power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins sit, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the New Caledonian power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be used in New Caledonia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - New Caledonia Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  13. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  14. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..