Which travel adapter will I need for using hair straighteners in Trinidad?

Trinidad power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Trinidad?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Trinidad:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 115 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

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 115 volt Trinidad power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Trinidad, so please check that your voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for Trinidad otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Note that your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 115 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your hair straighteners in Trinidad please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Trinidad

Will my hair straighteners work in Trinidad?

It depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 115 volts used in Trinidad:

Trinidad power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Trinidad?

The residential voltage used in Trinidad is 115 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Trinidad power outlet?

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

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Trinidad?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Trinidad?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the plug outlet by two thin slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify the plug outlet by two thin slots parallel to each other with a single hole below for the ground pin.

A Type B plug adapter allows you to use 115 volt hair straighteners in Trinidad - read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Trinidad. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the hair straighteners. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other straighteners will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 115 volts used in Trinidad then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Trinidad power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 115 volts used in a Trinidad power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Trinidad.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Trinidad or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Trinidad with hair straighteners

Should I bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Trinidad?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they will work with the 115 volt power outlets used with a Trinidad power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Trinidad. Please note that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Trinidad could be higher than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without risk of burning.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can you bring hair straighteners in your carry on to Trinidad?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you bring hair straighteners in your carry on to Trinidad?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Trinidad 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 checks, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Trinidad

Do you need a power converter for Trinidad to use hair straighteners?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 115 volt power outlet used in Trinidad. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 115 volts from a Trinidad power outlet to work with non-115 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Trinidad. [7] [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.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Energy saving outlet with timer

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.
  [16] [18] [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 Trinidad using a type B power adapter

A guide on how to power hair straighteners in Trinidad with a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 115 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 115 volts; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Trinidad isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your hair straighteners. This Type B plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Trinidad simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 115 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type B plug adapter in the Trinidad power outlet. This wall outlet, technically known as a Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 slots next to each other where the short live and neutral blades sit with a semicircular shaped hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Trinidad power outlet. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Trinidad. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Trinidad using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Trinidad using a type A power adapter

A guide showing you how to use your hair straighteners in Trinidad using a 2 blade Type A travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 115 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 115 volt setting; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. Please check that you are not already using hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your hair straighteners can work with a 115 volt power supply). You'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of power outlet used in Trinidad. This Type A plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Trinidad simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 115 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type A power outlet [5]) can be recognised by the 2 slots for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Trinidad power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners are now ready to be used in Trinidad. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Trinidad using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Trinidad Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  14. 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.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. 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..