Using a curling iron in Saint Lucia

St Lucian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Saint Lucia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Saint Lucia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt St Lucian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Saint Lucia, so check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Saint Lucia otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Saint Lucia check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Saint Lucia

Will my curling iron work in Saint Lucia?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 240 volts which are used in Saint Lucia:

Saint Lucia power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Saint Lucia?

The frequency of the alternating current from a St Lucian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Saint Lucia?

The common voltage used in Saint Lucia is 240 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Saint Lucia?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Saint Lucia?

Type G power outlets are used in Saint Lucia. The plug outlet (technically called a type G power outlet) looks like three holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins. A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 240 volt curling iron in Saint Lucia, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Saint Lucia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might 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 240 volts used in Saint Lucia then you should be able to use your curling iron with a St Lucian 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 240 volts used in a St Lucian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Saint Lucia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Saint Lucia or any other country.

Travelling to Saint Lucia with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on luggage to Saint Lucia?

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 Saint Lucia 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.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should I bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Saint Lucia?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Saint Lucia as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a St Lucian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Saint Lucia.

Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Saint Lucia might overshadow the cost of purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Lucia

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Saint Lucia?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Saint Lucia?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Saint Lucia, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 240 volts from a St Lucian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Saint Lucia to use your curling iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Saint Lucia. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Saint Lucia using a type G power adapter

Instructions on how to use your curling iron in Saint Lucia by using a Type G power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 240 volts for use in Saint Lucia, please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Saint Lucia. The plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Saint Lucia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type G plug adapter in the St Lucian power outlet. This wall outlet (sometimes known as a Type G power outlet [3]) looks like three holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Lucian power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron in Saint Lucia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Saint Lucia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - St Lucian page on Wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  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 curling irons -
  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.