How do I use a curling iron in The Cayman Islands?

Cayman Islands power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can work in The Cayman Islands:

  • If your curling iron can run on 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for The Cayman Islands however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 120 volt Cayman Islands power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in The Cayman Islands, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for The Cayman Islands otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 120 volts used in The Cayman Islands you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in The Cayman Islands please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Cayman Islands

Will my curling iron work in The Cayman Islands?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 120 volts which are used in The Cayman Islands. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 120 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the curling iron in The Cayman Islands. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with your curling iron in The Cayman Islands for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

The Cayman Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in The Cayman Islands?

Power outlets in The Cayman Islands are 120 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Cayman Islands power outlet?

The frequency of the current used in a Cayman Islands power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in The Cayman Islands?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in The Cayman Islands?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can identify this power socket by two thin slots next to each other where the twin plug socket blades sit.
  • Plug Type B - The power outlet, technically known as a type B power outlet, is identified by 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.

A Type B power adapter is suitable for powering a 120 volt curling iron in The Cayman Islands, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for The Cayman Islands. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for The Cayman Islands

Dual voltage curling irons

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

One way to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 120 volts used in The Cayman Islands then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Cayman Islands power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 120 volts used in a Cayman Islands power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in The Cayman Islands.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in The Cayman Islands or any other country.

Travelling to The Cayman Islands with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Cayman Islands?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 120 volt power outlets used with a Cayman Islands power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for The Cayman Islands. It is also worth bearing in mind that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in The Cayman Islands. The costs of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in The Cayman Islands could be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to The Cayman Islands will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. 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 intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for The Cayman Islands

Do you need a converter in The Cayman Islands to use your curling iron?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 120 volt power outlet used in The Cayman Islands. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for The Cayman Islands?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for The Cayman Islands?

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 120 volts from a Cayman Islands power outlet to work with a non-120 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in The Cayman Islands. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The Cayman Islands using a type B power adapter

A guide on how to power your curling iron in The Cayman Islands using a 3 pin Type B power charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in The Cayman Islands; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in The Cayman Islands. This Type B plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in The Cayman Islands by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type B plug adapter into the Cayman Islands power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as a Type B power outlet [3]) is recognised by two slots where the plug outlet blades go with a single hole below for the grounded pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cayman Islands power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in The Cayman Islands. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Cayman Islands using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Cayman Islands using a type A power adapter

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in The Cayman Islands by using a Type A power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet 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 ensure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in The Cayman Islands; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your curling iron can work with a 120 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in The Cayman Islands you will need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in The Cayman Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. This plug outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [5], is identified by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the short two blades go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cayman Islands power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron in The Cayman Islands. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Cayman Islands using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cayman Islands Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.