How do I use my curling iron in New Caledonia?

New Caledonian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in New Caledonia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for New Caledonia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in New Caledonia, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for New Caledonia otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in New Caledonia 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 New Caledonia check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in New Caledonia

Will my curling iron work in New Caledonia?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets in New Caledonia:

How can I use my US curling iron in New Caledonia?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US travelling to New Caledonia and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a New Caledonian power outlet.

New Caledonia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in a New Caledonian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a New Caledonian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in New Caledonia?

The residential voltage in New Caledonia is 220 volts.

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in New Caledonia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in New Caledonia?

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

  • Plug Type C - The power socket (technically called the Europlug) can be recognised by 2 circular holes next to each other where the two plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular wall socket (known as a type F power outlet) can be recognised by two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the two plug socket pins slide into along with two metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in New Caledonia - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for New Caledonia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state 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 operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in New Caledonia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a New Caledonian 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 220 volts used in a New Caledonian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in New Caledonia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in New Caledonia or any other country.

Travelling to New Caledonia with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to New Caledonia 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 for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will 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 use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to New Caledonia?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to New Caledonia as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a New Caledonian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for New Caledonia.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers in New Caledonia. The cost involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in New Caledonia might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack your own 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 will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for New Caledonia

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for New Caledonia?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for New Caledonia?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in New Caledonia, however a heavier and more expensive power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a New Caledonian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can you use your curling iron with a converter for New Caledonia?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in New Caledonia. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in New Caledonia using a two pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in New Caledonia, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in New Caledonia won't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in New Caledonia 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the 2 round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the New Caledonian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron to use in New Caledonia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in New Caledonia using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in New Caledonia using a two pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in New Caledonia - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in New Caledonia you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in New Caledonia 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. The circular wall outlet can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the New Caledonian power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - New Caledonia Wiki page
  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 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 curling irons -
  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.