Which travel adapter do you need for using hair straighteners in Micronesia?

Micronesian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Micronesia?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Micronesia:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 120 volt Micronesian 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 physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Micronesia, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Micronesia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 120 volts used in Micronesia you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Micronesia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Micronesia

Will my hair straighteners work in Micronesia?

That will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 120 volts as used in Micronesia. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 120 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in Micronesia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your hair straighteners in Micronesia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Micronesia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Micronesia?

The typical residential voltage in Micronesia is 120 volts.

What frequency is used in a Micronesian power outlet?

The frequency in a Micronesian power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need when using  hair straighteners in Micronesia?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using hair straighteners in Micronesia?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Micronesia, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - This ungrounded plug outlet, technically called a type A power outlet, is identified by the 2 thin adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify the power outlet by the two slots next to each other with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.

A Type B plug adapter is suitable for powering 120 volt hair straighteners in Micronesia; read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Micronesia. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

Single voltage hair straighteners

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

The method to tell if your hair straighteners can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your hair straighteners. The location might depend on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other models will feature 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 120 volts used in Micronesia then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Micronesian 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 120 volts used in a Micronesian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Micronesia.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Micronesia or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Micronesia with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Micronesia?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Micronesia as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Micronesian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Micronesia.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Micronesia. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in Micronesia might overshadow the costs of purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide 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 immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can I carry on hair straighteners in my luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners in my 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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Micronesia will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the 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 and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests 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 drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Micronesia

Do you need a voltage converter to use hair straighteners in Micronesia?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 120 volt power outlet used in Micronesia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic 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]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Micronesia, however an expensive and bulkier power converter will convert a 120 volt Micronesian power outlet to work with non-120 volt hair straighteners. [7] [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.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [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.
  [16] [18] [AD]

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 Micronesia using a type B power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Micronesia with a 3 pronged Type B power adapter.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 120 volt setting to use in Micronesia - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Micronesia you will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Micronesia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type B power outlet [3]) is identified by the 2 slots next to each other where the twin blades slide into with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Micronesian power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners should now be ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Micronesia using a type B power adapter

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

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in Micronesia using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 120 volt setting to use in Micronesia - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. This guide assumes that you are not already using hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair straighteners can work with a 120 volt power supply). So, if the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Micronesia you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Micronesia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots adjacent to each other.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Micronesian power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in Micronesia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Micronesia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Micronesian country entry on wikipedia
  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 A power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  14. 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.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. 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..