Using your curling iron in Madagascar

Malagasy power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Madagascar:

  • If your curling iron can run on 127 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Madagascar but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 127 volt Malagasy power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Madagascar, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Madagascar otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 127 volts used in Madagascar you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Madagascar please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Madagascar

Will my curling iron work in Madagascar?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 127 volts as used in Madagascar:

How can I use my US curling iron in Madagascar?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Madagascar and provide guidance for using your American curling iron with a Malagasy power outlet.

Madagascar power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Madagascar?

The frequency of the current from a Malagasy power outlet is 50 Hz. [14]

What is the mains voltage in Madagascar?

The common residential voltage in Madagascar is 127 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Madagascar?

There are five types of power outlets used in Madagascar, these are type D, C, E, J and K with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type D - The power socket (also known as a type D power outlet) can be recognised by 3 circular holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise this power outlet by the two 4.8mm round holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the twin pins slide into plus one long metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type J - You can recognise this flattened hexagon shaped plug outlet by the three round holes in a flattened triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type K - The wall socket (known as a type K power outlet) can be recognised by 3 large holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.

A Type D plug adapter is suitable for powering a 127 volt curling iron in Madagascar - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Madagascar using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [15] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Madagascar?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Madagascar then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Malagasy power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 127 volts used in a Malagasy power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Madagascar.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Madagascar or any other country.

Travelling to Madagascar with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Madagascar?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Madagascar will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [16] [17] [18] [AD]

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Madagascar?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 127 volt power outlets used with a Malagasy power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Madagascar.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airline baggage handler in Madagascar. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Madagascar might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [17] [AD]

Power converters for Madagascar

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 127 volt Malagasy power outlet to work with a non-127 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Madagascar. [13] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter for Madagascar to use a curling iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Madagascar. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [13] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Madagascar with a 2 pronged Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Madagascar, consult the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Madagascar isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Madagascar simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Malagasy power outlet. The wall outlet is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Malagasy power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Madagascar you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Madagascar simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it in the Malagasy power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three circular holes forming a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Malagasy power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the curling iron for use in Madagascar. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a Type E travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts, consult the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Madagascar. The Type E plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Madagascar by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large holes 19mm adjacent to each other plus one long metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Malagasy power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a type J power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a Type J travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to the 127 volt setting to use in Madagascar, consult the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type J plug adapter [10] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Madagascar. The Type J plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Madagascar by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type J plug adapter into the power outlet. The hexagon shaped wall outlet (technically called the Type J power outlet [9]) can be recognised by 3 large holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type J plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Malagasy power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a type J power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a type K power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a Type K travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Madagascar - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type K plug adapter [12] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Madagascar. The Type K plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Madagascar by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type K plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this power supply by the three holes forming an upside-down triangular shape and the bottom hole appearing in a semicircle shape.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Malagasy power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Madagascar using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Madagascar page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  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. iec.ch - Type J power outlet
  10. Type J plug adapter - This 3-pin Type J travel adapter adheres to the Swiss SN 441011 standard, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Switzerland and Liechtenstein..
  11. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  12. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  17. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.