Which plug adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Libya?

Libyan power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Libya:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Libya but 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 volt Libyan power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Libya, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Libya otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 127 volts used in Libya you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Libya read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Libya

Will my curling iron work in Libya?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 127 volts used in Libya. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 127 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Libya. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your curling iron in Libya for help deciding which option is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Libya power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Libya?

The frequency of the current in a Libyan power outlet is 50Hz. [12]

What is the voltage in Libya?

Power outlets in Libya are 127 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Libya?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug outlet is recognised by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this plug socket by three circular holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this wall socket by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral along with two thin grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type L - You can recognise this squashed hexagon shaped wall outlet by the 3 large round holes forming a line. Note that there are two different variations of Type L plug socket rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick round pins spaced 8mm apart.

A Type D plug adapter will allow you to use a 127 volt curling iron in Libya, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Libya. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Libya?

Dual voltage curling irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Libya then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Libyan 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 127 volts used in a Libyan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Libya.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Libya or any other country.

Travelling to Libya with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron to Libya in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Libya will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Libya?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 127 volt power outlets used with a Libyan power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Libya.

Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Libya. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Libya might overshadow the cost of purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring along with you. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [15] [AD]

Power converters for Libya

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Libya, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 127 volts from a Libyan power outlet to work with a non-127 volt curling iron. [11] [AD]

Can I use my curling iron with a power converter for Libya?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 127 volt power outlet used in Libya. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [11] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a curling iron in Libya with a two prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts for use in Libya - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Libya 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 power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type C plug adapter into the Libyan power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Libyan power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Libya using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Libya with a 3 pin Type D power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 127 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Libya you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6]. This Type D plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Libya 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 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (known as the Type D power outlet [5]) looks like 3 holes forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Libyan power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Libya. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Libya using a type D power adapter

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

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Libya by using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 127 volts for use in Libya - please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet used in Libya doesn't accomodate the plug on your curling iron. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Libya simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter into the Libyan power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the two circular holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit, plus thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Libyan power outlet. Your curling iron should now be ready to be used in Libya. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Libya using a type F power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Libya using a Type L power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Libya you'll need to buy a Type L plug adapter [10]. This Type L plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type L plug adapter in the power outlet. This flattened hexagon shaped wall outlet, technically called a Type L power outlet [9], can be recognised by 3 round holes in a line. Note there are two different variations of Type L power outlet rated at 10 and 16 amps. The 10 amp plug supply has 4mm thick pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Libyan power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Libya. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Libya using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Libyan 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 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 F power outlet
  8. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  9. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  15. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.