Using your curling iron in Cote d Ivoire

Ivorian power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Cote d Ivoire:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Cote d Ivoire 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 an 230 volt Ivorian 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 Cote d Ivoire, so check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Cote d Ivoire otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Cote d Ivoire 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 Cote d Ivoire please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire

Will my curling iron work in Cote d Ivoire?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Cote d Ivoire:

Will my American curling iron work in Cote d Ivoire?

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

Cote d Ivoire power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Cote d Ivoire?

The frequency in an Ivorian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Cote d Ivoire?

Power outlets in Cote d Ivoire are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power outlet, technically called the Europlug, can be recognised by 2 circular holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a single metal earth pin protruding from the top forming a triangle pattern.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Cote d Ivoire is a Type E plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire with a power adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage 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 state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Cote d Ivoire 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 luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline that is flying you to Cote d Ivoire 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around 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.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Cote d Ivoire?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Cote d Ivoire as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Ivorian power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Cote d Ivoire. Please be aware 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 Cote d Ivoire. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Cote d Ivoire could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase 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.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Cote d Ivoire

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 lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Cote d Ivoire, however an expensive and bulkier power converter will convert a 230 volt Ivorian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a power converter to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Cote d Ivoire. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire using a type C power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Cote d Ivoire 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 230 volt power outlet - if not then don't attempt these instructions 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 you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Cote d Ivoire - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Cote d Ivoire isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. The power adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Cote d Ivoire 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the Ivorian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ivorian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Cote d Ivoire. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire using a type E power adapter

Instructions on how to power your curling iron in Cote d Ivoire with a 2 pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. 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 230 volt setting, 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 Cote d Ivoire you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Cote d Ivoire by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter in the Ivorian power outlet. This sunken circular power outlet (sometimes called the CEE 7/7 plug or Type E power outlet [5]) can be identified by the two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into plus one long metal grounding pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ivorian power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Cote d Ivoire. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cote d Ivoire using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cote d Ivoire Wikipedia page
  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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.