Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Trinidad?

Trinidad power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Trinidad:

  • If your curling iron can run on 115 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Trinidad 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 115 volt Trinidad power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Trinidad, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Trinidad otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 115 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Trinidad check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Trinidad

Will my curling iron work in Trinidad?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 115 volts as used in Trinidad. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 115 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in Trinidad. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Trinidad power outlets and plug sockets

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

The frequency in a Trinidad power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Trinidad?

The typical residential voltage in Trinidad is 115 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Trinidad?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Trinidad?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two adjacent slots where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type B - The power socket (known as a type B power outlet) is identified by the 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.

A Type B power adapter will allow you to use a 115 volt curling iron in Trinidad; read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Trinidad using a power adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

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

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 115 volts used in Trinidad then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Trinidad 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 115 volts used in a Trinidad power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Trinidad.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Trinidad or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Trinidad with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Trinidad?

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 also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is taking you to Trinidad will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Trinidad?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 115 volt power outlets used with a Trinidad power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Trinidad.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Trinidad. The cost involved in repairing or replacing an expensive quality curling iron in Trinidad might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot 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 whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Trinidad

Do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in Trinidad?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 115 volt power outlet used in Trinidad. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic curling iron, however it might be considerably less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Trinidad, however a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform a 115 volt Trinidad power outlet to work with a non-115 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Trinidad with a 3 pronged Type B power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 115 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue 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 accept 115 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Trinidad. The Type B plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Trinidad by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 115 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the Trinidad power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots adjacent to each other with a hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Trinidad power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Trinidad using a type B power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Trinidad using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 115 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue 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 accept 115 volts; please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. These instructions assume 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 can work with a 115 volt power supply). You will need to use a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Trinidad. The Type A plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Trinidad simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 115 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it in the Trinidad power outlet. You can recognise this power supply by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Trinidad power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Trinidad using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Trinidad page on Wikipedia
  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.