How do I use a curling iron in Chad?

Chadian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Chad:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Chad however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Chadian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Chad, therefore check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Chad otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Chad you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Chad please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Chad

Will my curling iron work in Chad?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Chad:

Chad power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Chad?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Chadian power outlet is 50Hz. [11]

What voltage is used in Chad?

The typical residential voltage used in Chad is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Chad?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - This wall outlet, also called a type D power outlet, looks like three circular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type E - The recessed circular power outlet, also called a CEE 7/7 plug, can be recognised by the two large circular adjacent holes next to each other with a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type F - The recessed circular power outlet, also called a Schuko socket, can be recognised by the two large circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins go and thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type D plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in Chad, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Chad 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] [12] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Chad?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the curling iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Chad then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Chadian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a Chadian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Chad.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Chad or any other country.

Travelling to Chad with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Chad will allow curling irons 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, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [13] [14] [15] [AD]

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

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Chad as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Chadian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Chad. Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by a baggage handlers in Chad. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Chad could overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [14] [AD]

Power converters for Chad

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Chad, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Chadian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [10] [AD]

Do you need a converter in Chad to use a curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Chad. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [10] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Chad by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Chad. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Chad simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, is identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Chadian power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Chad. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Chad using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Chad by using a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Chad you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. The Type D plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Chad 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the Chadian power outlet. The plug supply, sometimes called a Type D power outlet [5], looks like three circular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet. The curling iron can now be used in Chad. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Chad using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Chad using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Chad with a two pin Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet 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 you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Chad; consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Chad won't take the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [8]. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Chad by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the Chadian power outlet. This round power outlet can be identified by two holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral plus a metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Chad. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Chad using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Chad using a type F power adapter

How to power a curling iron in Chad by using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Chad. This Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Chad simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other along with grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron in Chad. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Chad using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Chadian 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. 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 curling irons -
  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.