Which power adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Sri Lanka:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Sri Lanka however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Sri Lankan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Sri Lanka, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for Sri Lanka otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Sri Lanka please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Sri Lanka

Will my curling iron work in Sri Lanka?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Sri Lanka:

Will my US curling iron work in Sri Lanka?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Sri Lanka and will provide guidance for using your American curling iron with a Sri Lankan power outlet.

Sri Lanka power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Sri Lanka?

The typical voltage in Sri Lanka is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Sri Lanka?

The frequency found in a Sri Lankan power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Sri Lanka?

Type D, G and M power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a curling iron in Sri Lanka?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Sri Lanka, these are type G, D and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can recognise the plug socket by 3 round holes forming a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type G - The plug socket, also called a type G power outlet, looks like 3 holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  • Plug Type M - You can recognise the power outlet by three large round holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.

A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Sri Lanka; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Sri Lanka. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for Sri Lanka

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Sri Lanka then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Sri Lankan 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 230 volts used in a Sri Lankan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Sri Lanka.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Sri Lanka or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Sri Lanka with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Sri Lanka?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron instead of bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Sri Lanka as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Sri Lankan power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Sri Lanka. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Sri Lanka could overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase 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 will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [12] [AD]

Can curling irons go in my carry on luggage to Sri Lanka?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Sri Lanka 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 checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you 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 most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Sri Lanka

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Sri Lanka, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter will convert a 230 volt Sri Lankan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

Do you need a converter in Sri Lanka to use your curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Sri Lanka. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Sri Lanka using a type D power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Sri Lanka with a Type D power charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Sri Lanka; consult the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Sri Lanka you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Sri Lanka by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the 3 holes in a triangular pattern.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Sri Lankan power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Sri Lanka using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Sri Lanka using a type G power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Sri Lanka using a Type G power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Sri Lanka. This Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Sri Lanka simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the Sri Lankan power outlet. The wall supply (technically called a Type G power outlet [5]) can be identified by the three vertical slots with shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sri Lankan power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron for use in Sri Lanka. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Sri Lanka using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Sri Lanka using a type M power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Sri Lanka by using a Type M travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some curling irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Sri Lanka, please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Sri Lanka you will need to buy a Type M plug adapter [8]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Sri Lanka simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to plug in the Type M plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 3 large round holes forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sri Lankan power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Sri Lanka. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Sri Lanka using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Sri Lanka Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.