Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in American Samoa?

American Samoan power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in American Samoa:

  • If your curling iron can run on 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use 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 the correct power adapter for American Samoa but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 120 volt American Samoan power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in American Samoa, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for American Samoa otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 120 volts used in American Samoa you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in American Samoa check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in American Samoa

Will my curling iron work in American Samoa?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 120 volts used in American Samoa:

American Samoa power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in American Samoa?

The frequency of the current used in an American Samoan power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

What is the voltage in American Samoa?

Power outlets in American Samoa are 120 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in American Samoa?

There are four different types of power outlets used in American Samoa, types I, A, B and F with the primary power outlets being type I:

  • Plug Type A - The wall outlet, technically called a type A power outlet, can be recognised by the two slots adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type B - This wall socket (also known as a type B power outlet) can be recognised by 2 slots parallel to each other where the blades go with a single semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type I - You can recognise this wall socket by the three thin slots in an upside-down triangular shape with a single vertical pin at the base and the top pair of slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and ground.

A Type I power adapter is suitable for powering a 120 volt curling iron in American Samoa - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in American Samoa using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in American Samoa?

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 will accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to American Samoa with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to American Samoa in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to American Samoa 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to American Samoa?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to American Samoa as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with an American Samoan power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for American Samoa.

Be aware that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in American Samoa might be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [15] [AD]

Power converters for American Samoa

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small 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 American Samoa, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 120 volts from an American Samoan power outlet to work with a non-120 volt curling iron. [11] [AD]

Can I use a curling iron with a power converter for American Samoa?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 120 volt power outlet used in American Samoa. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel curling iron. [11] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in American Samoa with a three pronged Type B travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power supply; but if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 120 volt setting; please consult the user guide for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in American Samoa. The plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in American Samoa simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type B plug adapter into the American Samoan power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the longer grounded pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet. Your curling iron is now ready to be used in American Samoa. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in American Samoa using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in American Samoa using a type F power adapter

How to use a curling iron in American Samoa with a 2 pinned Type F power charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in American Samoa, please refer to the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in American Samoa. The plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in American Samoa 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. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type F plug adapter into the American Samoan power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral along with two thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the American Samoan power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in American Samoa using a type F power adapter

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

A guide on how to use your curling iron in American Samoa by using a Type I travel charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts - refer to the manufacturers 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 American Samoa you'll need to bring a Type I plug adapter [8]. This Type I plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in American Samoa by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type I plug adapter into the power outlet. The plug supply (known as the Type I power outlet [7]) can be recognised by the 3 thin slots forming an upside-down triangle pattern with the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in American Samoa. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in American Samoa using a type I power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in American Samoa with a three prong Type A power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 120 volt setting to use in American Samoa; please consult the user guide for more information on where this switch is.
  2. Please check that you're not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your curling iron can work with a 120 volt power outlet). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [10] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in American Samoa. This plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in American Samoa simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the American Samoan power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron should now be ready to be used in American Samoa. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in American Samoa using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - American Samoan country Wiki 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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.