Which plug adapter do I need for using hair straighteners in Vanuatu?

Will my hair straighteners work in Vanuatu?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Vanuatu:

• If your hair straighteners can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable power adapter for Vanuatu listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for Vanuatu however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for Vanuatu

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Vanuatuan power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Vanuatu, so please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Vanuatu otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 220 volts used in Vanuatu you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Vanuatu read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Vanuatu power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Vanuatu?

The standard residential voltage used in Vanuatu is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Vanuatuan power outlet?

The frequency from a Vanuatuan power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Vanuatu?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Vanuatu, these are type G, C and I with the primary power outlets being type G:

• Plug Type C - This unearthed power outlet (called a Europlug) can be recognised by the two round holes next to each other.
• Plug Type G - You can identify this wall outlet by 3 rectangular holes with plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
• Plug Type I - This power outlet (called a type I power outlet) can be identified by three thin slots for the live, neutral and ground.

A Type G plug adapter allows you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Vanuatu, read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Vanuatu. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Vanuatu

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 handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other straighteners will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

• Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Vanuatu then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Vanuatuan 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 220 volts used in a Vanuatuan power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Vanuatu.
• Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Vanuatu or any other country if these numbers are shown.

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Travelling to Vanuatu with hair straighteners

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Vanuatu?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Vanuatuan power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Vanuatu. Be aware that bringing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Vanuatu. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Vanuatu might be more than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] . If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without risk of burning.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can I pack hair straighteners in my carry on to Vanuatu?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Vanuatu 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 for airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Vanuatu

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Vanuatu, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 220 volt Vanuatuan power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use hair straighteners in Vanuatu?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Vanuatu. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing. [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?

• 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?

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 Vanuatu using a type C power adapter

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

1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Vanuatu, please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Vanuatu won't take the plug on your hair straighteners you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter ^[4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Vanuatu by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Vanuatuan power outlet.
6. The straighteners can now be used in Vanuatu. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Vanuatu using a type G power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in Vanuatu with a Type G travel adapter.

1. Make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Vanuatu you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter ^[6]. The Type G plug adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Vanuatu by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
3. Start the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the Vanuatuan power outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes known as a Type G power outlet ^[5]) looks like three vertical rectangular holes with plastic shutters forming a triangular shape.
4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Vanuatuan power outlet.
6. You can now turn on the straighteners in Vanuatu. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to a Vanuatuan power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

External links

We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.

1. Wikipedia - Vanuatuan Wikipedia page
2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
4. 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..
5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
6. 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..
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 - October 2017
9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
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 - October 2017
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..