How do I use a curling iron in Saint Helena?

St Helenian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Saint Helena:

  • If your curling iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Saint Helena but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt St Helenian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Saint Helena, therefore please check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Saint Helena otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Saint Helena you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Saint Helena please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Saint Helena

Will my curling iron work in Saint Helena?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 240 volt power outlets in Saint Helena. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use the curling iron in Saint Helena. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a power converter to use your curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Saint Helena power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a St Helenian power outlet?

The frequency found in a St Helenian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Saint Helena?

Power outlets in Saint Helena are 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Saint Helena?

Type G power outlets are used in Saint Helena. The plug socket, also called a type G power outlet, can be identified by 3 holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground. A Type G plug adapter allows you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Saint Helena - read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Saint Helena. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Saint Helena?

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron can support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Saint Helena with a curling iron

Should I bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Saint Helena?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a St Helenian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Saint Helena.

Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Saint Helena. The cost of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Saint Helena could overshadow the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [8] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing 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 check that the airline who is flying you to Saint Helena will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your 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 will avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Helena

Do I need a power converter to use my curling iron in Saint Helena?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Saint Helena. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic curling iron, but it could be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 240 volt St Helenian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Saint Helena. [5] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in Saint Helena with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet - but if not then don't continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Saint Helena doesn't take the plug on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Saint Helena by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type G plug adapter in the St Helenian power outlet. The wall supply, technically known as a Type G power outlet [3], looks like three slots in a triangular pattern.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Helenian power outlet. Your hair curling iron is now ready to be used in Saint Helena. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Helena using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Helena wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.