Which travel adapter do I need when using a curling iron in The Sudan?

Sudanese power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in The Sudan:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for The Sudan however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Sudanese power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in The Sudan, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for The Sudan otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in The Sudan you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in The Sudan read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in The Sudan

Will my curling iron work in The Sudan?

That will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in The Sudan. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your curling iron in The Sudan. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on will a power converter work with your curling iron in The Sudan for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

The Sudan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Sudanese power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Sudanese power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in The Sudan?

Power outlets in The Sudan are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in The Sudan?

Type C and D power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in The Sudan?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug outlet is recognised by the 2 holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - The power outlet (technically known as a type D power outlet) can be identified by three holes in a triangle pattern.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in The Sudan is a Type D power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for The Sudan. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for The Sudan

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the curling iron. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate 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 Sudan then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Sudanese 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 Sudanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in The Sudan.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in The Sudan or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Sudan with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to The Sudan?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to The Sudan as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Sudanese power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for The Sudan.

Please note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in The Sudan could overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide 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 packed right after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in your carry on luggage to The Sudan?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to The Sudan 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack 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 bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for The Sudan

Can you use a curling iron with a voltage converter in The Sudan?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in The Sudan. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their own curling iron, however it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in The Sudan, but an expensive and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Sudanese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

A page on how to power a curling iron in The Sudan with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in The Sudan - please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in The Sudan. The Type C plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in The Sudan simply 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 supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by 2 circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Sudanese power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron for use in The Sudan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Sudan using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in The Sudan by using a 3 prong Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in The Sudan you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in The Sudan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First plug the Type D plug adapter in the Sudanese power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 3 holes forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sudanese power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron should now be ready for use in The Sudan. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in The Sudan using a type D power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Sudanese country 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 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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.