How do I use my curling iron in Falkland Islands?

Falkland Islands power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Falkland Islands:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Falkland Islands however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Falkland Islands power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Falkland Islands, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Falkland Islands otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Falkland Islands please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Falkland Islands

Will my curling iron work in Falkland Islands?

It depends on if your curling iron can handle the 240 volts which are used in Falkland Islands:

Falkland Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Falkland Islands?

The frequency used in a Falkland Islands power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Falkland Islands?

The normal voltage used in Falkland Islands is 240 volts.

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Falkland Islands?

Type G power outlet

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Falkland Islands?

The type of power outlet used in Falkland Islands is type G. This power socket, also known as a type G power outlet, can be identified by 3 vertical rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration. A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Falkland Islands - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Falkland Islands. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Falkland Islands

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 power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Falkland Islands with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Falkland Islands will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Should I bring my domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Falkland Islands?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Falkland Islands power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Falkland Islands. It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Falkland Islands. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Falkland Islands could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Falkland Islands

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 240 volts from a Falkland Islands power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Falkland Islands. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my curling iron in Falkland Islands?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Falkland Islands. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic curling iron, however it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Falkland Islands using a type G power adapter

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Falkland Islands with a three prong Type G power charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts for use in Falkland Islands - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Falkland Islands you will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Falkland Islands by changing the shape of the plug, but 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 power outlet. This plug supply, technically known as a Type G power outlet [3], can be recognised by 3 rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Falkland Islands power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron is ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Falkland Islands using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Falkland Islands Wikipedia web page
  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.