Do hair straighteners from Canada work in European plugs? (using a converter of course)?

Question

I'm traveling to Europe and I'm wondering whether or not my hair straightener will work when I plug it into a converter then the converter to the european plug. My friends say it won't work...so I'm curious whether they're right or wrong. (hopefully wrong though)

Answer 1

Be very careful. I brought mine to Europe last year and I had all the appropriate adaptors and converters, but I still felt like my straightener blow up or something...

Answer 2

It will work but you will need need a little  device: a step-down transformer/ power  converter plus plug adapter .

You can find travel kits with both combined at a price around 10-15 USD in any dept. store or household appliances/ electric materials shop.

The reason why you need it is that in Europe standard electric supply is 220-230 V 50 Hz, While in Canada is 120 V 60 Hz: it means you can burn your device if you plug in without transformer from 220 V to 120V

About the plug: in Canada plugs are of the flat prongs type, while in Europe they usually are 2 or 3 round prongs type ( you may find all types, country by country,  here : http://www.travel-images.com/electric-pl...

Answer 3

Even with the converter to make the holes fit they still have different voltage.  My hairdryer about blew up in Europe!  It might just get extra hot or something so put it on a low setting and test it out!

Answer 4

Using the correct plug adapter and a converter to 240. it will work. The thing to remember is that once you have it, the converter will work the rest of your 120. When you get there, go to a grocery {cheaper} and get a 1 outlet surge supressor. Voltage spikes are common.

Answer 5

Appliances like hairdryers and curling irons tend to not work well when using a voltage converter.

You are better off buying appliances Europe that accept the local voltage and outlets.  It will cost about the same as a converter + plug adapters and will work better.

An alterantive is to check luggage stores and online sites like www.travelsmith.com for dual-voltage appliances.  You will still need to buy plug adapters unless they come with the dual-voltage appliance (sometimes yes).

Good luck!