Using your curling iron in Brazil

Brazilian power outlet

Brazil uses 2 different types of voltage depending on the location - both 127 volts and 240 volts. Always ensure that you familiarise yourself with the voltage of the outlet prior to using any electrical appliance in a Brazilian power outlet. Instructions on this page assume that you understand which voltage you will be using, however the safest option is always to use a dual voltage device or appliance.

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Brazil:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Brazil however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 127 or 220 volt Brazilian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Brazil, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Brazil otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic 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 127 or 220 volts used in Brazil you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Brazil please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Brazil

Will my curling iron work in Brazil?

This depends on if your curling iron can handle the 127 or 220 volts which are used in Brazil:

Brazil power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with a Brazilian power outlet?

The frequency used in a Brazilian power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

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

Type C and N power outlets

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

There are two different types of power outlets used in Brazil, types N and C with the primary power outlets being type N:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 circular holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type N - You can identify the hexagon shaped plug outlet by the 3 large holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.

A Type N power adapter allows you to use a curling iron in Brazil - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Brazil with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Brazil

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 127 or 220 volts used in Brazil then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Brazilian 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 127 or 220 volts used in a Brazilian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Brazil.
  • 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 Brazil or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Brazil with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Brazil in my hand 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 recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Brazil will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the 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 wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it better to bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Brazil?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Brazil as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 127 or 220 volt power outlets used with a Brazilian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Brazil.

Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airline baggage handlers in Brazil. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Brazil could outweigh the cost of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Brazil

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Brazil?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 127 or 220 volt power outlet used in Brazil. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Brazil?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Brazil?

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 127 or 220 volt Brazilian power outlet to work with a non-127 or 220 volt curling iron, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Brazil. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Brazil using a two pronged Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 or 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 127 or 220 volts to use in Brazil - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Brazil isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Brazil by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 127 or 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the 2 circular holes next to each other. Prior to January 2010 buildings may use this power outlet.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Brazilian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Brazil. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Brazil using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Brazil using a type N power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Brazil with a Type N travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 127 or 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 127 or 220 volts; please consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Brazil isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type N plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Brazil simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 or 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type N plug adapter and plugging it into the Brazilian power outlet. This squashed hexagon shaped wall outlet (known as a Type N power outlet [5]) can be recognised by 3 large circular holes in a flattened triangle shape for live, neutral and earth. Please note that since January 2010 new buildings use this power supply.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type N plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Brazilian power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron in Brazil. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Brazil using a type N power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Brazilian Wikipedia web 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 N power outlet
  6. Type N plug adapter - A 3-pin Type N travel adapter adheres to the Brazilian Standard NBR 14136, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Brazil..
  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.