Using a curling iron in Ghana

Ghanaian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Ghana:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Ghana 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 a 230 volt Ghanaian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Ghana, therefore check that the power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Ghana otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your 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 Ghana 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 Ghana please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Ghana

Will my curling iron work in Ghana?

That will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts which are used in Ghana. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Ghana. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2], read our section on will a voltage converter work with a domestic curling iron in Ghana for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Ghana power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Ghanaian power outlet?

The frequency from a Ghanaian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Ghana?

Power outlets in Ghana are 230 volts.

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

Type D and G power outlets

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

There are two different types of power outlets used in Ghana, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - This power socket (called a type D power outlet) can be recognised by the 3 holes in a triangular pattern.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket, technically called a type G power outlet, can be recognised by the 3 holes in a triangle pattern.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Ghana is a Type G power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Ghana using a plug adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Ghana

Dual voltage curling irons

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

A simple method to tell if your curling iron will accept a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle of the curling iron. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Ghana then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Ghanaian 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 Ghanaian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Ghana.
  • 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 Ghana or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Ghana with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron in your 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 suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Ghana will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. 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 avoiding a tangle of cables 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 use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Ghana?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Ghana as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Ghanaian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Ghana. Please be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Ghana could be higher than purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . 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.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Ghana

Do I need a converter in Ghana to use my curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Ghana. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, 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?

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

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

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your curling iron in Ghana with a Type D power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Ghana you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Ghana simply by changing the shape of the plug, however 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 D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the 3 circular holes forming a triangular shape.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ghanaian power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Ghana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Ghana using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Ghana using a type G power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Ghana by using a 3 prong Type G travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply 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. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Ghana; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Ghana. This Type G plug adapter will help fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Ghana by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug outlet (technically known as the Type G power outlet [5]) can be identified by three vertical slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ghanaian power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron for use in Ghana. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Ghana using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Ghana Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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.