How to use your curling iron in El Salvador

Salvadoranf power outlet

Summary

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for El Salvador 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 115 volt Salvadoranf power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in El Salvador, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for El Salvador otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 115 volts used in El Salvador you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in El Salvador read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in El Salvador

Will my curling iron work in El Salvador?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 115 volts used in El Salvador:

El Salvador power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Salvadoranf power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in El Salvador?

Power outlets in El Salvador are 115 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in El Salvador?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in El Salvador?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 adjacent slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - The plug socket (also known as a type B power outlet) can be identified by two thin slots next to each other with a single hole below for the earthed pin.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 115 volt curling iron in El Salvador is a Type B power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in El Salvador using a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could 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 voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 115 volts used in El Salvador then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Salvadoranf 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 115 volts used in a Salvadoranf power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in El Salvador.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in El Salvador or any other country.

Travelling to El Salvador with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your hand luggage to El Salvador?

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 also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to El Salvador 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

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

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to El Salvador as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 115 volt power outlets used with a Salvadoranf power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for El Salvador.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airline baggage handlers in El Salvador. The costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in El Salvador could overshadow the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase 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 also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for El Salvador

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for El Salvador?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for El Salvador?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in El Salvador, however a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 115 volts from a Salvadoranf power outlet to work with a non-115 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use my curling iron with a converter in El Salvador?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 115 volt power outlet used in El Salvador. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in El Salvador by using a Type B power charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 115 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 115 volts for use in El Salvador; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in El Salvador isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron. The Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in El Salvador by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 115 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type B plug adapter in the wall outlet. This power outlet (technically known as a Type B power outlet [3]) can be identified by two thin slots next to each other with a hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Salvadoranf power outlet. The curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in El Salvador using a type B power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in El Salvador with a 2 bladed Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 115 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 115 volts to use in El Salvador; refer to the user guide 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 you will still need to check that your curling iron will work with a 115 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in El Salvador you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in El Salvador simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 115 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it into the Salvadoranf power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 slots parallel to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Salvadoranf power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in El Salvador using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Salvadoranf Wikipedia 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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.