Which power adapter do I need for using a curling iron in The Cook Islands?

Cook Islands power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in The Cook Islands:

  • If your curling iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for The Cook Islands 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 240 volt Cook Islands 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 The Cook Islands, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for The Cook Islands otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in The Cook Islands read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Cook Islands

Will my curling iron work in The Cook Islands?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 240 volts as used in The Cook Islands. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 240 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in The Cook Islands. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with a curling iron in The Cook Islands for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

The Cook Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Cook Islands power outlet?

The frequency from a Cook Islands power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in The Cook Islands?

Power outlets in The Cook Islands are 240 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in The Cook Islands?

Type I power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in The Cook Islands?

The type of power outlet used in The Cook Islands is type I. You can identify this wall outlet by 3 slots for the live, neutral and ground blades. A Type I plug adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt curling iron in The Cook Islands, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in The Cook Islands with a travel adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in The Cook Islands then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Cook Islands 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 240 volts used in a Cook Islands power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in The Cook Islands.
  • 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 The Cook Islands or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Cook Islands with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on to The Cook Islands?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to The Cook Islands will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your 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 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 knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Cook Islands?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to The Cook Islands as it ensures that it will work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Cook Islands power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for The Cook Islands.

Please note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in The Cook Islands. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in The Cook Islands might be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without risk of burning.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for The Cook Islands

Do I need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in The Cook Islands?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in The Cook Islands. Travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [5] [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 heavy and bulky power converter transforms a 240 volt Cook Islands power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in The Cook Islands. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The Cook Islands using a type I power adapter

How to use your curling iron in The Cook Islands with a Type I power charger.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel curling irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in The Cook Islands; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type I plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in The Cook Islands isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in The Cook Islands by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type I plug adapter and plugging it into the Cook Islands power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 slots in an upside-down triangle shape with the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth blades.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cook Islands power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in The Cook Islands. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Cook Islands using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about The Cook Islands
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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.