Which plug adapter do I need for using a curling iron in Nevis?

Nevis power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Nevis:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Nevis however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Nevis power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Nevis, so please check that your power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Nevis otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Note - your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Nevis you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Nevis read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Nevis

Will my curling iron work in Nevis?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Nevis:

Nevis power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Nevis power outlet?

The frequency from a Nevis power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

What is the mains voltage in Nevis?

The standard residential voltage used in Nevis is 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Nevis?

There are four types of power outlets used in Nevis, types G, A, B and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 slots next to each other where the two blades slide into.
  • Plug Type B - The power outlet (called a type B power outlet) can be identified by two thin slots with a semicircular hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify this wall outlet by three circular holes forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  • Plug Type G - The power socket (called a type G power outlet) looks like three vertical rectangular holes with plastic shutters forming a triangle shape.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Nevis is a Type G power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Nevis. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Nevis?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron will handle 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 curling iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Nevis then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Nevis 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 a Nevis power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Nevis.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Nevis or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Nevis with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in hand luggage to Nevis?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Nevis will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Nevis?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Nevis power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Nevis. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Nevis. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Nevis could be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot 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 right after use without risk of burning.  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Nevis

Do I need a converter to use a curling iron in Nevis?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Nevis. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron, but it might be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [11] [AD]

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 cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Nevis, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Nevis power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [11] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Nevis using a type B power adapter

A guide showing you how to power a curling iron in Nevis by using a Type B power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Nevis, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Nevis. This power adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Nevis simply 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type B plug adapter in the power outlet. This wall supply (called a Type B power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two thin slots next to each other with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the slightly longer earthed pin.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nevis power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Nevis. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Nevis using a type B power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Nevis using a type D power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Nevis by using a 3 pinned Type D travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Nevis you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. The Type D plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Nevis by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nevis power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Nevis. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Nevis using a type D power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Nevis with a 3 pinned Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Nevis, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Nevis. This power adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Nevis simply 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. This wall supply (called a Type G power outlet [7]) can be recognised by the three vertical slots in a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nevis power outlet. The curling iron can now be used in Nevis. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Nevis using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Nevis using a type A power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Nevis by using a 2 bladed Type A power charger.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Nevis; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you're not already using 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 230 volt power supply). If the shape of the power outlet used in Nevis isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [10]. The Type A plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Nevis by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type A plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power outlet by 2 slots parallel to each other where the two blades sit.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nevis power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron for use in Nevis. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Nevis using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nevis page on wikipedia.org
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  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 A power outlet
  10. 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..
  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 curling irons -
  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.