Which power adapter do I need to bring for using a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo?

Congo power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in The Republic of the Congo:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for The Republic of the Congo however 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 230 volt Congo power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo, so please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for The Republic of the Congo otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in The Republic of the Congo check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo

Will my curling iron work in The Republic of the Congo?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in The Republic of the Congo:

The Republic of the Congo power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in The Republic of the Congo?

Power outlets in The Republic of the Congo are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used in The Republic of the Congo?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Congo power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo?

There are three different types of power outlets used in The Republic of the Congo, these are type E, C and D with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - This plug socket (technically known as a type D power outlet) looks like three holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the wall socket by the two round holes 19mm adjacent to each other with a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangular configuration.

A Type E power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt curling iron in The Republic of the Congo - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you need to use a power converter.  [8] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is 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 handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in The Republic of the Congo then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Congo 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 a Congo power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in The Republic of the Congo.
  • 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 The Republic of the Congo or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Republic of the Congo with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Republic of the Congo?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Congo power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for The Republic of the Congo. Please note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in The Republic of the Congo might outweigh the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows 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 The Republic of the Congo?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to The Republic of the Congo will allow a curling iron 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for The Republic of the Congo

Can I use a curling iron with a power converter in The Republic of the Congo?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own curling iron, but it can be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for The Republic of the Congo?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for The Republic of the Congo?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in The Republic of the Congo, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Congo power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [9] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo using a type C power adapter

How to power a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in The Republic of the Congo - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in The Republic of the Congo you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in The Republic of the Congo by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter in the Congo power outlet. This unearthed plug outlet can be recognised by two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Congo power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo using a type D power adapter

How to power a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo with a 3 prong Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you may 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 make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in The Republic of the Congo; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in The Republic of the Congo isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in The Republic of the Congo simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter into the Congo power outlet. The power supply (known as the Type D power outlet [5]) can be identified by the three circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Congo power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo using a type E power adapter

How to power a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo with a 2 pinned Type E power charger.

  1. Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  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 shape as the power outlet used in The Republic of the Congo. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in The Republic of the Congo 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 outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter in the power outlet. This recessed round wall outlet (sometimes known as a Type E power outlet [7] or CEE 7/7 plug) can be recognised by the two large adjacent holes next to each other along with one long metal earth pin protruding the top in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Congo power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in The Republic of the Congo. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Republic of the Congo using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Congo page on Wikipedia.org
  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. 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.