How do I use my hair straighteners in Peru?

Peruvian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Peru?

First check that your hair straighteners can work in Peru:

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 220 volt Peruvian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Peru, therefore check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Peru otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts used in Peru you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Peru please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Peru

Will my hair straighteners work in Peru?

It depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volts which are used in Peru:

Peru power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Peru?

The frequency used in a Peruvian power outlet is 60Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Peru?

The normal voltage used in Peru is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need when using  hair straighteners in Peru?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which power adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in Peru?

There are three types of power outlets used in Peru, types C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - This ungrounded power socket, also called a type A power outlet, is identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - This wall socket, also called a type B power outlet, is identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket blades sit with a hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type C - You can identify the wall outlet by the two circular adjacent holes.

A Type C plug adapter is suitable for powering 220 volt hair straighteners in Peru - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Peru. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Peru then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Peruvian 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 220 volts used in a Peruvian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Peru.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Peru or any other country.
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Travelling to Peru with hair straighteners

Can you carry on hair straighteners in your luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Peru will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Peru?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Peruvian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Peru. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Peru could outweigh the costs of buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slot them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively 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 whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [13] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Peru

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?

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 220 volt Peruvian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Peru. [9] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my hair straighteners in Peru?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Peru. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [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.    [13] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

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.
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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 Peru using a type B power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Peru using a Type B travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Peru - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Peru isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Peru by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral blades go with a single semicircular hole below for the long ground pin.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Peruvian power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Peru. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Peru using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Peru using a type C power adapter

Instructions on how to use hair straighteners in Peru with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Peru, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Peru you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [6]. This Type C plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Peru simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First insert the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall supply, sometimes called the Europlug, is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Peruvian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your straighteners to use in Peru. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Peru using a type C power adapter

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

How to power hair straighteners in Peru using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Peru - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. Please check that you're not already using hair straighteners 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 hair straighteners can work with a 220 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet used in Peru won't accomodate the plug on your hair straighteners. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Peru by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 thin slots next to each other where the twin blades go.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Peruvian power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in Peru. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Peru using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Peru
  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 C power outlet
  6. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. 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..