How to use your curling iron in The Isle of Man

Manx power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in The Isle of Man:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for The Isle of Man however 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 a 240 volt Manx power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in The Isle of Man, so please check that your power converter comes with the right power adapter for The Isle of Man otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Note - your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 240 volts used in The Isle of Man you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in The Isle of Man check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Isle of Man

Will my curling iron work in The Isle of Man?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 240 volt power outlets used in The Isle of Man. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 240 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in The Isle of Man. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with a curling iron in The Isle of Man for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

The Isle of Man power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in The Isle of Man?

Power outlets in The Isle of Man are 240 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in The Isle of Man?

The frequency of the current used in a Manx power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter do you need to use a curling iron in The Isle of Man?

Type G power outlet

Which plug adapter do you need to use a curling iron in The Isle of Man?

The type of power outlet used in The Isle of Man is type G. The plug socket (also called a type G power outlet) looks like three vertical rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle configuration. A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt curling iron in The Isle of Man, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for The Isle of Man. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in The Isle of Man then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Manx 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 240 volts used in a Manx power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in The Isle of Man.
  • 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 Isle of Man or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Isle of Man with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Isle of Man?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Manx power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for The Isle of Man. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in The Isle of Man. The cost of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in The Isle of Man could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [8] [AD]

Can curling irons go in carry on to The Isle of Man?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to The Isle of Man will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your 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 will avoid 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 provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for The Isle of Man

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Isle of Man?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for The Isle of Man?

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 240 volt Manx power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in The Isle of Man. [5] [AD]

Can I use a curling iron with a converter in The Isle of Man?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in The Isle of Man. Travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The Isle of Man using a type G power adapter

How to power a curling iron in The Isle of Man by using a Type G power charger.

  1. Check that your 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 continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in The Isle of Man, please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in The Isle of Man isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in The Isle of Man simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 3 slots containing shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Manx power outlet. Your curling iron should now be ready for use in The Isle of Man. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Isle of Man using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The Isle of Man country page on wikipedia.org
  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. 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.