How to use your hair straighteners in San Marino

Sammarinese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in San Marino?

Check your hair straighteners can work in San Marino:

If not then:

Buy travel hair straighteners for San Marino
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Sammarinese power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in San Marino, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for San Marino otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 230 volts used in San Marino you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in San Marino read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in San Marino

Will my hair straighteners work in San Marino?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in San Marino. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in San Marino. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic hair straighteners in San Marino for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

San Marino power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in San Marino?

The standard residential voltage used in San Marino is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in San Marino?

The frequency of the current used in a Sammarinese power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which power adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in San Marino?

Type C, F and L power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in San Marino?

There are three types of power outlets used in San Marino, these are type F, C and L with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be identified by two round holes next to each other where the two pins sit.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken round wall outlet can be identified by two large round holes 19 mm next to each other, plus a pair of grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type L - This squashed hexagon shaped plug socket (technically known as a type L power outlet) looks like three large circular holes in a line. You'll find there are two types of Type L power socket, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp wall outlet has 4mm pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick pins spaced 8mm apart.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering 230 volt hair straighteners in San Marino, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for San Marino. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for San Marino

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?

One way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in San Marino then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Sammarinese 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 Sammarinese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in San Marino.
  • 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 San Marino or any other country if these numbers are shown.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to San Marino with hair straighteners

Is it better to bring travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to San Marino?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Sammarinese power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for San Marino. Please note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in San Marino might be more than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. 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 knocks, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on to San Marino?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on to San Marino?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to San Marino 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 when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires 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 knocks and bumps during transit.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for San Marino

Can you use your hair straighteners with a voltage converter in San Marino?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in San Marino. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing 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. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter for San Marino?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter for San Marino?

An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 230 volt Sammarinese power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in San Marino. [9] [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.    [12] [13] [16] [17] [18] [19] [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.
  [18] [20] [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 San Marino using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in San Marino with a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet which is used in San Marino you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in San Marino simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet can be identified by two round holes next to each other where the two pins sit.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sammarinese power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in San Marino. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in San Marino using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in San Marino using a type F power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in San Marino with a 2 pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 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. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in San Marino won't take the plug on your hair straighteners you will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in San Marino simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the Sammarinese power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sammarinese power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners to use in San Marino. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in San Marino using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in San Marino using a type L power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in San Marino by using a Type L power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - 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 which is used in San Marino you'll need to use a Type L plug adapter [8]. The Type L plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in San Marino by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type L plug adapter in the wall outlet. This hexagon shaped power outlet (technically known as the Type L power outlet [7]) looks like three large circular holes in a line. You'll find there are two types of Type L plug outlet rated at 10 and 16 amps. A 10 amp wall supply has 4mm pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sammarinese power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners can now be used in San Marino. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in San Marino using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - San Marino country page on wikipedia.org
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  8. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. 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.
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. 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.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. 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..