The problem with the Dyson Airstrait: we have the explanation for its enormous charging block

The Dyson Airstrait straightener promises to dry and straighten hair in just a few strokes, whether the mop is dry or damp. A time saver for those who are used to using a straightener, since one and the same device allows you to style your hair after getting out of the shower. The Airstrait also promises not to damage hair in the long term since it does not subject it to high temperatures, as a traditional straightener equipped with heating plates could do.

If the Airstrait seems to do everything to seduce us, there remains one point that annoys us: the charging block. Massive, it measures 15 x 4.1 x 7.1 cm and weighs more than 320 g, while the straightener itself weighs around 477 g. This choice is surprising on the part of Dyson, especially when we know the attention to detail shown by the British manufacturer.

Safety first

According to the latter, the presence of this deformed charging block is in reality justified by security considerations. In fact, it is a PRCD (“Portable Residual Current Device”) socket; that is to say a safety switch which ensures a shutdown in the event of detection of a failure on the electrical network. The PRCD socket functions as a circuit breaker and prevents the risk of electrocution to Airstrait users. It tests and ensures the safety of the device before use and immediately interrupts the flow of power in the event of a fault.

If this explanation can be understood, why did you introduce this PRCD socket on the Airstrait only? Still according to Dyson, the presence of such a grip is explained by the nature of the straightener, intended to come into direct contact with damp hair. Unlike the Supersonic or the Airwrap, wet hair is trapped in the Airstrait – an electrical device therefore – which can lead to serious accidents.

This device incorporates several electronic elements. To avoid overloading the straightener itself, it is this socket that takes them on board. To date, this is the only solution found by Dyson to avoid ending up with an Airstrait weighing almost one kilogram.

Handling governed by standards

If this charging block is surprising, the manipulation to be carried out to test the electrical voltage is just as surprising. Two buttons are present on the socket: “test” and “reset”. You have to press reset, test, reset and wait to see if an LED lights up: if this is the case, the straightener is not compatible with the electrical voltage. And this manipulation must be carried out as soon as the Airstrait is plugged into a new electrical outlet.

While we would have liked an automated, not manual, procedure, Dyson has some objections. The British manufacturer claims that automation can “neglecting critical factors or failing to detect potential hazards”. He adds that this procedure makes it possible to take into account “various variables such as voltage fluctuations, circuit integrity, and possible grounding issues”. Moreover, Dyson does not really have a say regarding this manipulation, since it is dictated by international standards.

Allowing you to save time and leave your hairdryer aside, the Airstrait comes with a few constraints. It quickly weighs heavily in the suitcase and incorporates a meticulous security system. Understanding the role of your load block, however, helps to somewhat alleviate animosities.

For the most won over, the Airstrait is already available at the hefty price of €499.