How do I use my curling iron in Saint Pierre?

St Pierrais power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can work in Saint Pierre:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Saint Pierre 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 a 230 volt St Pierrais power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Saint Pierre, so please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Saint Pierre otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Saint Pierre you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Saint Pierre check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Saint Pierre

Will my curling iron work in Saint Pierre?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Saint Pierre:

Saint Pierre power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Saint Pierre?

Power outlets in Saint Pierre are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with a St Pierrais power outlet?

The frequency from a St Pierrais power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Saint Pierre?

Type E power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Saint Pierre?

Type E power outlets are used in Saint Pierre. This recessed circular wall outlet, technically known as a type E power outlet, can be identified by two large round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins with a single long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangular pattern. A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Saint Pierre is a Type E power adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Saint Pierre using a travel adapter. Be aware 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

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

A simple way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Saint Pierre then you should be able to use your curling iron with a St Pierrais 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 230 volts used in a St Pierrais power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Saint Pierre.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Saint Pierre or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Saint Pierre with a curling iron

Should you bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Saint Pierre?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Saint Pierre as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a St Pierrais power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Saint Pierre.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Saint Pierre. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Saint Pierre could be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot 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 transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [8] [AD]

Can you take a curling iron in your carry on to Saint Pierre?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Saint Pierre will allow a curling iron 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 checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Pierre

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Saint Pierre?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Saint Pierre?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Saint Pierre, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt St Pierrais power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use my curling iron in Saint Pierre?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Pierre. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Saint Pierre using a type E power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Saint Pierre with a Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Saint Pierre you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Saint Pierre 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. The recessed round wall outlet (known as the CEE 7/7 outlet) can be identified by two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go plus a single metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Pierrais power outlet. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Pierre using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Pierre Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.