How do I use a curling iron in Principe?

Prinicipe power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Principe:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Principe but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Prinicipe 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 shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Principe, therefore please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Principe otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Principe please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Principe

Will my curling iron work in Principe?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Principe. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Principe. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with a domestic curling iron in Principe for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Principe power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Principe?

The voltage in Principe is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Principe?

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

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

There are two types of power outlets used in Principe, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug socket by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular plug socket (called the Schuko plug) can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Principe; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Principe using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Principe then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Prinicipe 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 220 volts used in a Prinicipe power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Principe.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Principe or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Principe with a curling iron

Is it better to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Principe?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron instead of bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Principe as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Prinicipe power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Principe.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Principe. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing an expensive specialised curling iron in Principe could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in your carry on to Principe?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Principe 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Principe

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Principe. Travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is considerably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Prinicipe power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but 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 found in Principe. [7] [AD]

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

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

  1. Make sure 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 continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll 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 Principe. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Principe by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Prinicipe power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Principe using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Principe by using a Type F power charger.

  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 don't attempt these instructions as 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 the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Principe. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Principe 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. First insert the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into, plus a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Prinicipe power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Principe. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Principe using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org page about Principe
  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 F power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.