How do I use a curling iron in Nauru?

Nauruan power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Nauru:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Nauru but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Nauruan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Nauru, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Nauru otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Nauru read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Nauru

Will my curling iron work in Nauru?

This depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Nauru:

Nauru power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Nauru?

The common residential voltage used in Nauru is 240 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Nauruan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Nauruan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Nauru?

The type of power outlet used in Nauru is type I. The plug socket, technically known as a type I power outlet, can be recognised by the three thin slots forming a triangular pattern with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth blades. A Type I plug adapter allows you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Nauru; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Nauru. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Nauru?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Nauru with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Nauru?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Nauruan power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Nauru.

Please note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Nauru. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Nauru might outweigh the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without risk of burning.  [8] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Nauru will allow curling irons 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 when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Nauru

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Nauru, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 240 volts from a Nauruan power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Can I use a curling iron with a converter in Nauru?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Nauru. Travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Nauru using a type I power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Nauru with a 3 pinned Type I travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type I plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Nauru. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Nauru by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type I plug adapter in the wall outlet. The power outlet, technically known as the Type I power outlet [3], can be recognised by the three thin slots forming a triangular pattern with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth blades.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nauruan power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Nauru. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Nauru using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nauruan Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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.