Which plug adapter will I need when using hair straighteners in The Isle of Man?

Manx power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Isle of Man?

First check your hair straighteners can work in The Isle of Man:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 240 volt Manx power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in The Isle of Man, so check that your power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for The Isle of Man otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in The Isle of Man read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Isle of Man

Will my hair straighteners work in The Isle of Man?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 240 volt power outlets used in The Isle of Man:

The Isle of Man power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Manx power outlet?

The frequency used in a Manx power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in The Isle of Man?

Power outlets in The Isle of Man are 240 volts.

Which power adapter will you need for using  hair straighteners in The Isle of Man?

Type G power outlet

Which power adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in The Isle of Man?

The type of power outlet used in The Isle of Man is type G. This plug socket, also known as a type G power outlet, can be recognised by 3 rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration. A suitable power adapter to bring when using 240 volt hair straighteners in The Isle of Man is a Type G power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in The Isle of Man using a power adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you also need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in The Isle of Man then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Manx 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 Manx power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in The Isle of Man.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in The Isle of Man or any other country if these numbers are shown.
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Travelling to The Isle of Man with hair straighteners

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to The Isle of Man will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should I bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to The Isle of Man?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Manx power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for The Isle of Man. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers in The Isle of Man. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in The Isle of Man could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slide them inside a sneaker or boot 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for The Isle of Man

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 240 volts from a Manx power outlet to work with non-240 volt hair straighteners, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in The Isle of Man. [5] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use hair straighteners in The Isle of Man?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in The Isle of Man. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners, but it could be considerably less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for travelling. [5] [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.    [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 The Isle of Man using a type G power adapter

A step by step guide showing how to use hair straighteners in The Isle of Man with a Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting to use in The Isle of Man, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in The Isle of Man. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in The Isle of Man by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by three holes with shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Manx power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in The Isle of Man. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Isle of Man using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org web page about The Isle of Man
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..