Which power adapter do I need to bring for using a curling iron in Ireland?

Irish power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Ireland:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Ireland but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Irish power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Ireland, so check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Ireland otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Ireland you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your curling iron in Ireland please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Ireland

Will my curling iron work in Ireland?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Ireland. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Ireland. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with a domestic curling iron in Ireland for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Ireland power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Ireland?

Power outlets in Ireland are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Ireland?

The frequency used in an Irish power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Ireland?

Type G power outlets are used in Ireland. You can recognise the wall socket by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground. A suitable travel adapter to bring for using a 230 volt curling iron in Ireland is a Type G power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Ireland. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Ireland?

Dual voltage curling irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Ireland then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Irish power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in an Irish power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Ireland.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Ireland or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Ireland with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Ireland?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Irish power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Ireland.

Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Ireland might be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide 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 packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [8] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Ireland 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords 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 drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Ireland

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Ireland?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Ireland?

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Ireland, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from an Irish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Ireland to use your curling iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Ireland. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron, however it could be more expensive 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 considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [5] [AD]

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

Instructions showing you how to use your curling iron in Ireland with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Ireland you'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Ireland by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Irish power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Ireland using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Irish Wikipedia web 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.