Which power adapter do I need when using a curling iron in Burundi?

Burundian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Burundi:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Burundi but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Burundian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Burundi, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Burundi otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Burundi you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Burundi check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

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Using a curling iron in Burundi

Will my curling iron work in Burundi?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Burundi. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your curling iron in Burundi. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our guide on can you use a voltage converter to use your domestic curling iron in Burundi for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my American curling iron in Burundi?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Burundi and provide advice on using your American curling iron with a Burundian power outlet.

Burundi power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Burundi?

Power outlets in Burundi are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Burundian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Burundian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Burundi?

Type C and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Burundi?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Burundi, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug outlet by two circular adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two large circular adjacent holes plus a single metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle shape.

A Type E power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Burundi; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Burundi with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron will support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Burundi then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Burundian power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Burundian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Burundi.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Burundi or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Burundi with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Burundi?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Burundian power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Burundi.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Burundi could be higher than purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide 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.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Burundi will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the 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 avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to pack 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.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Burundi

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Burundi, but a heavy and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Burundian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a power converter in Burundi to use a curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Burundi. Travellers who want to bring their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Burundi using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Burundi with a two pin Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Burundi; please consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C power adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Burundi. The Type C power adapter will convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Burundi 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly insert the Type C power adapter into the wall outlet. The power supply, also known as the Type C power outlet [3], can be identified by two round adjacent holes.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type C power adapter.
  5. Switch on the Burundian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron in Burundi. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Burundi using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Burundi using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Burundi by using a two pin Type E power charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Burundi isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type E power adapter [6]. This Type E power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Burundi by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type E power adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral with a single long metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type E power adapter.
  5. Switch on the Burundian power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron should now be ready for use in Burundi. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Burundi using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Burundi
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C power 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 E power outlet
  6. Type E power 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..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.