Which power adapter will I need when using hair straighteners in The Grenadines?

Grenadines power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Grenadines?

First check your hair straighteners can work in The Grenadines:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Grenadines power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in The Grenadines, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for The Grenadines otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 230 volts used in The Grenadines you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in The Grenadines please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Grenadines

Will my hair straighteners work in The Grenadines?

This depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets in The Grenadines. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the hair straighteners in The Grenadines. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our guide on can you use a power converter with domestic hair straighteners in The Grenadines for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]

The Grenadines power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Grenadines power outlet?

The frequency from a Grenadines power outlet is 50Hz. [12]

What mains voltage is used in The Grenadines?

Power outlets in The Grenadines are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in The Grenadines?

There are five types of power outlets used in The Grenadines, these are type G, C, E, I and K with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded power socket is identified by two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type E - This sunken circular wall socket, technically called the type E power outlet, can be identified by two 4.8mm holes 19mm adjacent to each other with a single metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the power outlet by the 3 vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type I - The wall socket (technically called a type I power outlet) can be recognised by three slots forming a triangle pattern with the top pair of slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type K - This power socket, also known as a type K power outlet, can be recognised by 3 holes forming an inverted triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using 230 volt hair straighteners in The Grenadines is a Type G power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in The Grenadines. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in The Grenadines?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Single voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in The Grenadines then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Grenadines power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Grenadines power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in The Grenadines.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in The Grenadines or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to The Grenadines with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in your hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to The Grenadines 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 for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.    [2] [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Should I bring my domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to The Grenadines?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Grenadines power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for The Grenadines. Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing expensive quality hair straighteners in The Grenadines could outweigh the cost of purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, or use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.   [15] [17] [AD]

Power converters for The Grenadines

Do I need a converter for The Grenadines to use my hair straighteners?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in The Grenadines. Travellers who wish to bring along their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to travel hair straighteners. [11] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 230 volt Grenadines power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in The Grenadines. [11] [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.    [15] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [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.
  [20] [22] [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 The Grenadines using a type C power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in The Grenadines. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in The Grenadines simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the Grenadines power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two round holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Grenadines power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be used in The Grenadines. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a type E power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a Type E travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in The Grenadines - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in The Grenadines you will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6]. This Type E plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in The Grenadines by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular adjacent holes where the twin pins go along with one long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Grenadines power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in The Grenadines. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a type E power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a type G power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet used in The Grenadines won't accomodate the plug shape on your hair straighteners. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet used in The Grenadines by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Grenadines power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in The Grenadines. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a type G power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a type K power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a Type K travel charger.

  1. Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not proceed as you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type K plug adapter [10] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in The Grenadines. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in The Grenadines by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type K plug adapter and inserting it in the Grenadines power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three large holes in a triangular configuration with the bottom hole being in a semicircle shape.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Grenadines power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in The Grenadines. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Grenadines using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Grenadines 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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  20. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  21. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  22. 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..