Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in The Sudan?

Sudanese power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in The Sudan?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in The Sudan:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Sudanese power outlet, however this is considerably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in The Sudan, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for The Sudan otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts used in The Sudan you run the risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your hair straighteners in The Sudan please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in The Sudan

Will my hair straighteners work in The Sudan?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in The Sudan:

The Sudan power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in The Sudan?

Power outlets in The Sudan are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in The Sudan?

The frequency in a Sudanese power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need for using  hair straighteners in The Sudan?

Type C and D power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in The Sudan?

There are two types of power outlets used in The Sudan, these are type D and C with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this plug outlet by the three circular holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use 230 volt hair straighteners in The Sudan is a Type D plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in The Sudan using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can I tell if my hair straighteners are dual voltage?

The method to tell if your hair straighteners 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 hair straighteners and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in The Sudan then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Sudanese power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Sudanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in The Sudan.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in The Sudan or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to The Sudan with hair straighteners

Is it safer to bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to The Sudan?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners instead of packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to The Sudan as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Sudanese power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for The Sudan.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in The Sudan could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline that is taking you to The Sudan will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners 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.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for The Sudan

Do I need a power converter to use hair straighteners in The Sudan?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in The Sudan. Travellers wishing to bring their own hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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 230 volts from a Sudanese power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in The Sudan. [7] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [16] [18] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in The Sudan using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Sudan using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - if not then do not proceed as you may damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in The Sudan. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in The Sudan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sudanese power outlet. The straighteners should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Sudan using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in The Sudan using a type D power adapter

A page showing how to use hair straighteners in The Sudan using a three pronged Type D power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in The Sudan - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of outlet used in The Sudan you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in The Sudan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three circular holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Sudanese power outlet.
  6. The straighteners can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in The Sudan using a type D power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The Sudan Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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. 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. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  14. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..