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

Irish power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Ireland?

Check your hair straighteners can work in Ireland:

  • If your hair straighteners can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 230 volt Irish 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 actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Ireland, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Ireland otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Ireland read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Ireland

Will my hair straighteners work in Ireland?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in Ireland:

Ireland power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with an Irish power outlet?

The frequency from an Irish power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in Ireland?

Power outlets in Ireland are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use hair straighteners in Ireland?

Type G power outlets are used in Ireland. This wall outlet (called a type G power outlet) looks like three vertical rectangular holes with plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins. A Type G plug adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Ireland, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in Ireland. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to use  hair straighteners in Ireland?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

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

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 can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other straighteners will feature 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 Ireland then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Irish power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in an Irish power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Ireland.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Ireland or any other country if these numbers are shown.
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Travelling to Ireland with hair straighteners

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Ireland in my luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to Ireland in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when 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 who is flying you to Ireland 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 when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of 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 your journey.    [2] [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it better to bring your travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Ireland?

Packing 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 230 volt power outlets used with an Irish power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Ireland.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Ireland. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing expensive quality domestic hair straighteners in Ireland might be more than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a boot or sneaker 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 risk of burning.   [9] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Ireland

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms a 230 volt Irish 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 Ireland. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use hair straighteners in Ireland?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Ireland. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing hair straighteners, but it can 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. [5] [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.    [9] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [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.
  [14] [16] [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 Ireland using a type G power adapter

Instructions showing how to power hair straighteners in Ireland by using a 3 pinned Type G travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Ireland, refer to the instructions 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 Ireland you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. The Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Ireland 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. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this power supply by 3 vertical rectangular holes containing plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Irish power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your straighteners for use in Ireland. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Ireland using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Ireland
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  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. 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.
  13. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  14. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  15. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  16. 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..