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

Anguillan power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Anguilla:

  • If your curling iron can run using 110 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Anguilla however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 110 volt Anguillan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Anguilla, so please check that your power converter has the right power adapter for Anguilla otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 110 volts used in Anguilla you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Anguilla check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Anguilla

Will my curling iron work in Anguilla?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 110 volts which are used in Anguilla:

Can I use my American curling iron in Anguilla?

The guides on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Anguilla and provide advice on using your US curling iron with an Anguillan power outlet.

Anguilla power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Anguilla?

Power outlets in Anguilla are 110 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Anguilla?

The frequency found in an Anguillan power outlet is 60 Hz. [6]

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

Type A power outlets are used in Anguilla. You can recognise the plug socket by the 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral. A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 110 volt curling iron in Anguilla is a Type A power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Anguilla. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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

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 check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Anguilla with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Anguilla?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 110 volt power outlets used with an Anguillan power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Anguilla. Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by a baggage handlers in Anguilla. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Anguilla could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own 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 shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [8] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Anguilla 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 and should avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Anguilla

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 110 volts from an Anguillan power outlet to work with a non-110 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Anguilla. [5] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use a curling iron in Anguilla?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 110 volt power outlet used in Anguilla. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing curling iron, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Anguilla by using a Type A power adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting for use in Anguilla, please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. These instructions assume that you're not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your curling iron can work with a 110 volt power supply). You'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Anguilla. This Type A plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Anguilla by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. This wall supply, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [3], can be identified by two slots parallel to each other.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Anguillan power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Anguilla. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Anguilla using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Anguilla country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.