Which power adapter do I need for using hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo?

Congo power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Republic of the Congo?

Check your hair straighteners can work in The Republic of the Congo:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Congo power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of wall outlet used in The Republic of the Congo, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for The Republic of the Congo otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo

Will my hair straighteners work in The Republic of the Congo?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in The Republic of the Congo. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in The Republic of the Congo. If not then you will need to consider bringing either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

How can I use my American hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to The Republic of the Congo and provide advice on using your American hair straighteners with a Congo power outlet.

The Republic of the Congo power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in The Republic of the Congo?

Power outlets in The Republic of the Congo are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Congo power outlet?

The frequency from a Congo power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using  hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo?

There are three types of power outlets used in The Republic of the Congo, types E, C and D with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - This wall outlet can be identified by two round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify this wall outlet by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type E - This sunken round power outlet, technically known as the CEE 7/7 plug, can be recognised by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes and one metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular shape.

A Type E plug adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo. Please be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [8] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your hair straighteners. This location might depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically but other straighteners will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in The Republic of the Congo then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Congo power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Congo power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in The Republic of the Congo.
  • A larger range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in The Republic of the Congo or any other country.
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Travelling to The Republic of the Congo with hair straighteners

Should you bring domestic hair straighteners or travel hair straighteners to The Republic of the Congo?

Packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it is safer to assume that they'll operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Congo power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for The Republic of the Congo.

Please note that packing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing expensive specialised hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo could be more than purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [12] [13] [AD]

Can I carry on hair straighteners to The Republic of the Congo in my hand luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can I carry on hair straighteners to The Republic of the Congo in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to The Republic of the Congo will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.    [2] [12] [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for The Republic of the Congo

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 230 volt Congo power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in The Republic of the Congo. [9] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo. Travellers who want to use their own domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [9] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [12] [13] [16] [17] [18] [19] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [18] [20] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo using a type C power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo with a Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in The Republic of the Congo; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in The Republic of the Congo. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in The Republic of the Congo by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the Congo power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Congo power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo using a type D power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo with a Type D power charger.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in The Republic of the Congo, consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in The Republic of the Congo. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply (called a Type D power outlet [5]) can be identified by the three round holes forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Congo power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo using a type E power adapter

How to use your hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo with a Type E power charger.

  1. Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in The Republic of the Congo you will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8]. The Type E plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in The Republic of the Congo simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type E plug adapter in the Congo power outlet. You can identify this power supply by two adjacent holes where the pins slide into with a long metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular pattern.
  4. Next plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Congo power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be used in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Republic of the Congo using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Congo Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  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 E power outlet
  8. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  17. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  18. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  19. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  20. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..