Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Eritrea?

Eritrean power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Eritrea:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Eritrea however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Eritrean power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Eritrea, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Eritrea otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Eritrea read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Eritrea

Will my curling iron work in Eritrea?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts used in Eritrea:

Eritrea power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Eritrea?

The common residential voltage used in Eritrea is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used in Eritrea?

The frequency of the current from an Eritrean power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Eritrea?

Type C and L power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Eritrea?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Eritrea, these are type L and C with the primary power outlets being type L:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type L - This hexagon shaped power socket (also called a type L power outlet) can be identified by three large round holes in a line. Note there are two different types of Type L power outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one for 16 amps. The 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, whilst the 16 amp version has larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Eritrea is a Type L power adapter, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Eritrea using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Eritrea

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Eritrea with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Eritrea?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Eritrean power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Eritrea. Please note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airline baggage handlers in Eritrea. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Eritrea might be more than purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can you bring a curling iron in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Eritrea 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 when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you 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 drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Eritrea

Can you use your curling iron with a voltage converter in Eritrea?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Eritrea. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to bring their existing curling iron, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms a 230 volt Eritrean power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Eritrea. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Eritrea with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Eritrea, please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Eritrea you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Eritrea simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. This wall outlet, sometimes known as the Type C power outlet [3], is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Eritrean power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Eritrea. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Eritrea using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Eritrea using a type L power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Eritrea with a three pin Type L travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Eritrea you will need to bring a Type L plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Eritrea by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type L plug adapter in the wall outlet. This squashed hexagon shaped plug outlet, technically called a Type L power outlet [5], can be recognised by the 3 holes forming a line for live, neutral and earth pins. Please note there are two variations of Type L wall supply rated at 10 and 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm thick round pins that are spaced 5.5mm apart and a 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Eritrean power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron to use in Eritrea. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Eritrea using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Eritrea 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 L power outlet
  6. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  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.