How do I use my hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands?

Ascensionian Island power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Ascension Islands?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in The Ascension Islands:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 240 volt Ascensionian Island power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in The Ascension Islands, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for The Ascension Islands otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands

Will my hair straighteners work in The Ascension Islands?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 240 volt power outlets used in The Ascension Islands:

The Ascension Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with an Ascensionian Island power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from an Ascensionian Island power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in The Ascension Islands?

Power outlets in The Ascension Islands are 240 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use  hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands?

The type of power outlet used in The Ascension Islands is type G. You can identify this power outlet by the three rectangular holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth. A Type G power adapter allows you to use 240 volt hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for The Ascension Islands. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to confirm if you also need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your hair straighteners. This location will depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Can you carry on hair straighteners to The Ascension Islands?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners to The Ascension Islands?

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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to The Ascension Islands 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 when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you 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 offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to The Ascension Islands?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners rather than packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to The Ascension Islands as it ensures that they'll work with the 240 volt power outlets used with an Ascensionian Island power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for The Ascension Islands. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands might be higher than buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, 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 transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for The Ascension Islands

Can I use my hair straighteners with a voltage converter for The Ascension Islands?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in The Ascension Islands. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their own hair straighteners, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter for The Ascension Islands?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter for The Ascension Islands?

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from an Ascensionian Island power outlet to work with non-240 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 fit into a power outlet in The Ascension Islands. [5] [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.    [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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 The Ascension Islands using a type G power adapter

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands using a three pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners ensure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in The Ascension Islands - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in The Ascension Islands. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in The Ascension Islands by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as a Type G power outlet [3], looks like 3 vertical rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Ascensionian Island power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in The Ascension Islands. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Ascension Islands using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The Ascension Islands Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 hair straighteners -
  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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..