How to use a curling iron in Cameroon

Cameroonian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Cameroon:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Cameroon however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Cameroonian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Cameroon, so please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Cameroon otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your existing curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Cameroon you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Cameroon check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Cameroon

Will my curling iron work in Cameroon?

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

Cameroon power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Cameroon?

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

What voltage is used in Cameroon?

The standard residential voltage in Cameroon is 220 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Cameroon?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Cameroon?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall socket by the two circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins sit.
  • Plug Type E - The round plug outlet can be recognised by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes for live and neutral pins plus a metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangle shape.

A Type E plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt curling iron in Cameroon, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Cameroon. 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] [9] [AD]

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 can accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. This location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Cameroon with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Cameroon?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Cameroon as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Cameroonian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Cameroon.

Please be aware that packing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Cameroon might overshadow the cost of purchasing a 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 damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Cameroon will allow a curling iron 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests 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 recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Cameroon

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Cameroon. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to bring along their own curling iron, but it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Cameroon?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Cameroon?

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Cameroonian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Cameroon. [7] [AD]

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

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

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Cameroon isn't the same shape as the plug 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 an electrical outlet used in Cameroon by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the Cameroonian power outlet. This ungrounded power outlet is recognised by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cameroonian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron in Cameroon. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cameroon using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Cameroon using a type E power adapter

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Cameroon using a Type E travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Cameroon, please refer to the owners manual for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Cameroon doesn't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6]. This Type E plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Cameroon by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type E plug adapter in the Cameroonian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other along with one long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangular shape.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cameroonian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron should now be ready for use in Cameroon. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Cameroon using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cameroonian 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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.