Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Mauritania?

Mauritanian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Mauritania:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Mauritania but 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 220 volt Mauritanian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier 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 Mauritania, so please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Mauritania otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your own existing curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Mauritania 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 Mauritania please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Mauritania

Will my curling iron work in Mauritania?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Mauritania:

Will my American curling iron work in Mauritania?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US travelling to Mauritania and will provide advice on using your US curling iron with a Mauritanian power outlet.

Mauritania power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Mauritania?

The frequency in a Mauritanian power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Mauritania?

Power outlets in Mauritania are 220 volts.

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

The type of power outlet used in Mauritania is type C. You can recognise this power outlet by the two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral. A Type C plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in Mauritania - read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Mauritania. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of your curling iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and should 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.

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

Travelling to Mauritania with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Mauritania 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Mauritania?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Mauritania as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Mauritanian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Mauritania.

Please note 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 Mauritania. The costs of replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Mauritania could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . 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.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Mauritania

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?

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Mauritanian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Mauritania. [5] [AD]

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Mauritania. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be a lot cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Mauritania using a two pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Mauritania - consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Mauritania you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Mauritania by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Mauritanian power outlet. This unearthed power supply, sometimes called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be recognised by 2 circular holes next to each other where the two plug outlet pins sit.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Mauritanian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mauritania using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Mauritania
  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. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.