Using a curling iron in The Ascension Islands

Ascensionian Island power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in The Ascension Islands:

  • If your curling iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for The Ascension Islands but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 240 volt Ascensionian Island power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in The Ascension Islands, so please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for The Ascension Islands otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 240 volts used in The Ascension Islands you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in The Ascension Islands please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Ascension Islands

Will my curling iron work in The Ascension Islands?

That will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 240 volts which are used in The Ascension Islands. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 240 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in The Ascension Islands. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on will a power converter work with a curling iron in The Ascension Islands for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

The Ascension Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in an Ascensionian Island power outlet?

The frequency from an Ascensionian Island power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in The Ascension Islands?

Power outlets in The Ascension Islands are 240 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in The Ascension Islands?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in The Ascension Islands?

The type of power outlet used in The Ascension Islands is type G. You can identify the plug socket by the 3 rectangular holes in a triangle pattern. A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 240 volt curling iron in The Ascension Islands is a Type G plug adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in The Ascension Islands. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to The Ascension Islands with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on hand luggage to The Ascension Islands?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to The Ascension Islands will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your 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 power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons 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.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Ascension Islands?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 240 volt power outlets used with an Ascensionian Island power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for The Ascension Islands.

Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in The Ascension Islands. The cost of replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in The Ascension Islands might be more than buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, 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.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for The Ascension Islands

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 small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in The Ascension Islands, however a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 240 volt Ascensionian Island power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my curling iron in The Ascension Islands?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in The Ascension Islands. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron, but it can be a lot cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The Ascension Islands using a type G power adapter

How to power a curling iron in The Ascension Islands with a three pin Type G travel charger.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some curling irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting for use in The Ascension Islands, please consult the manufacturers instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in The Ascension Islands you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in The Ascension Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 3 rectangular holes in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Ascensionian Island power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron in The Ascension Islands. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Ascension Islands using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about The Ascension Islands
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.