Which plug adapter will I need when using hair straighteners in Tanzania?

Will my hair straighteners work in Tanzania?

First check your hair straighteners can work in Tanzania:

• If your hair straighteners can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter for Tanzania listed below if the plug on your hair straighteners won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

• Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Tanzania but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.

Buy travel hair straighteners for Tanzania

• Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Tanzanian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Tanzania, so check that your power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Tanzania otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your hair straighteners or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your hair straighteners in Tanzania read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Tanzania power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Tanzania?

Power outlets in Tanzania are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a Tanzanian power outlet?

The frequency used in a Tanzanian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use hair straighteners in Tanzania?

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

• Plug Type D - This power socket, also known as a type D power outlet, can be recognised by three holes forming a triangular configuration.
• Plug Type G - You can identify the wall outlet by the 3 vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering 230 volt hair straighteners in Tanzania - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Tanzania. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Tanzania

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically, however other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

• Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Tanzania then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Tanzanian 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 Tanzanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Tanzania.
• Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Tanzania or any other country if these numbers are shown.

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Travelling to Tanzania with hair straighteners

Should I bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Tanzania?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Tanzanian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Tanzania. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airport baggage handlers in Tanzania. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Tanzania could be more than buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] . If you intend to bring along your own hair straighteners in your luggage 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 immediately after use without waiting to cool down.   [10] [11] [AD]

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Tanzania will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.    [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Tanzania

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Tanzania. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic hair straighteners, but it could be considerably less expensive to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] than it will be to buy a power converter. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Tanzanian power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Tanzania. [7] [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?

• 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.    [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]

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.

  [16] [18] [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 Tanzania using a type D power adapter

A guide on how to use your hair straighteners in Tanzania with a three prong Type D power charger.

1. Please ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some hair straighteners might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Tanzania isn't the same shape as the plug on your hair straighteners you will need to use a Type D plug adapter ^[4]. The Type D plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Tanzania simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
3. Start the process by taking the Type D plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The wall supply, technically called a Type D power outlet ^[3], can be identified by the 3 circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type D plug adapter.
5. Turn on the Tanzanian power outlet.
6. The hair straighteners can now be used in Tanzania. [AD]

How to use hair straighteners in Tanzania using a type G power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your hair straighteners in Tanzania with a 3 pinned Type G power adapter.

1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners ^[2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is found.
2. If the plug shape on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Tanzania you'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter ^[6]. This Type G plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Tanzania 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 230 volt outlet.
3. Plug the Type G plug adapter into the Tanzanian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the three vertical holes with shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G plug adapter.
5. Switch on the Tanzanian power outlet. The hair straighteners can now be used in Tanzania. [AD]

See also

• What can I connect to a Tanzanian power outlet?
• What can I connect to hair straighteners?

External links

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1. Wikipedia - Tanzania country wikipedia page
2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
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 - October 2017
9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location - October 2017
10. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
11. 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.
12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners - October 2017
13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
14. 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.
15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
18. 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..