Which travel adapter do I need to bring to use a curling iron in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rican power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Puerto Rico:

  • If your curling iron can run using 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Puerto Rico 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 120 volt Puerto Rican power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Puerto Rico, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Puerto Rico otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 120 volts used in Puerto Rico you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before using your curling iron in Puerto Rico please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Puerto Rico

Will my curling iron work in Puerto Rico?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 120 volts which are used in Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Puerto Rico?

The standard voltage in Puerto Rico is 120 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Puerto Rico?

The frequency of the current from a Puerto Rican power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Puerto Rico?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Puerto Rico?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Puerto Rico, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - This ungrounded power socket (known as the type A power outlet) can be recognised by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type B - This power socket, also known as a type B power outlet, can be recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the slightly long ground pin.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 120 volt curling iron in Puerto Rico is a Type B plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Puerto Rico. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 120 volts used in Puerto Rico then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Puerto Rican 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 120 volts used in a Puerto Rican power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Puerto Rico.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Puerto Rico or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Puerto Rico with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Puerto Rico?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Puerto Rico 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should I bring my domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Puerto Rico?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Puerto Rico as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Puerto Rican power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Puerto Rico.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler in Puerto Rico. The cost of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Puerto Rico could overshadow the costs of purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Puerto Rico

Do I need a voltage converter for Puerto Rico to use a curling iron?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 120 volt power outlet used in Puerto Rico. Travellers who wish to bring along their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

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 found in Puerto Rico, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 120 volt Puerto Rican power outlet to work with a non-120 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Puerto Rico using a type B power adapter

A page showing how to use your curling iron in Puerto Rico with a Type B travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to the 120 volt setting to use in Puerto Rico - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Puerto Rico. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Puerto Rico by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the Puerto Rican power outlet. This plug supply, sometimes known as a Type B power outlet [3], can be recognised by two slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the slightly long earth pin.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Puerto Rican power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Puerto Rico using a type B power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Puerto Rico with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in Puerto Rico - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. This guide assumes that you are not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your curling iron will work with a 120 volt power outlet). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Puerto Rico you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Puerto Rico simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the two thin slots for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Puerto Rican power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Puerto Rico. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Puerto Rico using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Puerto Rico Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.