How do I use a curling iron in Andorra?

Andorran power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Andorra:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Andorra however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Andorran power outlet, however this is substantially 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 power outlet used in Andorra, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Andorra otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Andorra you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Andorra check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Andorra

Will my curling iron work in Andorra?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Andorra:

Andorra power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Andorra?

The frequency used in an Andorran power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Andorra?

Power outlets in Andorra are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Andorra?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a curling iron in Andorra?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by two large holes 19 mm next to each other, plus two thin grounding clips above and below.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt curling iron in Andorra is a Type F plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Andorra. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will support a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Andorra then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Andorran 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 230 volts used in an Andorran power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Andorra.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Andorra or any other country.

Travelling to Andorra with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Andorra will allow curling irons 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 checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around curling irons). If you do 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 offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Andorra?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Andorra as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Andorran power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Andorra. Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The cost involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Andorra could outweigh the costs of buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Andorra

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Andorra, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Andorran power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Andorra?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Andorra. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also considerably heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your curling iron in Andorra by using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but 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. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Andorra - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Andorra doesn't take the plug shape of your curling iron. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Andorra 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the Andorran power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Andorran power outlet. The curling iron is now ready to be used in Andorra. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Andorra using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use a curling iron in Andorra with a 2 pinned Type F power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Andorra, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Andorra doesn't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Andorra simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the Andorran power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral and a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Andorran power outlet. The hair curling iron can now be used in Andorra. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Andorra using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Andorran 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 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. 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.