Using your hair straighteners in Chad

Chadian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Chad?

First check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Chad:

  • If your hair straighteners can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 220 volt Chadian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter changes 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 Chad, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Chad otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing hair straighteners might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Chad check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Chad

Will my hair straighteners work in Chad?

This depends on if your hair straighteners can handle the 220 volts which are used in Chad:

Chad power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Chadian power outlet?

The frequency in a Chadian power outlet is 50 Hz. [11]

What mains voltage is used in Chad?

The normal residential voltage in Chad is 220 volts.

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

There are four types of power outlets used in Chad, these are type D, C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet (technically called the Europlug) can be recognised by two adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify the plug outlet by the 3 round holes in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the power outlet by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral plus one long metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular wall socket (also called the type F power outlet or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral, plus two grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type D plug adapter will allow you to use 220 volt hair straighteners in Chad - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Chad with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [12] [AD]

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

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?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of the hair straighteners. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Chad then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Chadian 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 220 volts used in a Chadian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Chad.
  • A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Chad or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Chad with hair straighteners

Can you carry on hair straighteners in your luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you carry on hair straighteners in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to Chad will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible by airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.    [2] [13] [14] [15] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Chad?

It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Chad as it is safer to assume that they will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Chadian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Chad. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners could put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Chad. The inconvenience and costs of repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Chad could overshadow the costs of purchasing cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. 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, or use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [14] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Chad

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Chadian power outlet to work with non-220 volt hair straighteners, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet in Chad. [10] [AD]

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

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Chad. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [10] [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.    [14] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [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.
  [19] [21] [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 Chad using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Chad using a two pronged Type C power charger.

  1. Please check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you might blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Chad - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Chad isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners 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 into an electrical outlet used in Chad by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process 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.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet.
  6. The hair straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Chad using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your hair straighteners in Chad with a Type D power adapter.

  1. Check that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage hair straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Chad you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Chad simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type D plug adapter into the Chadian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the three round holes in a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Chadian power outlet. You can now switch on your straighteners in Chad. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Chad using a type D power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Chad using a type E power adapter

A guide showing how to use hair straighteners in Chad with a Type E travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Chad. The plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Chad simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type E plug adapter into the Chadian power outlet. This recessed round power outlet, also known as a CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by the two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go plus a metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet. Your hair straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Chad using a type E power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Chad using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Chad using a two pronged Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Before using a travel hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Chad - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type F plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet which is used in Chad won't accomodate the plug shape on your hair straighteners. The Type F plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Chad by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two large round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with a pair of thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet.
  6. Your hair straighteners can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Chad using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Chad
  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. 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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  12. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  19. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  20. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  21. 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..