Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Comoros?

Comorian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Comoros:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Comoros 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 220 volt Comorian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier 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 wall outlet used in Comoros, so check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Comoros otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Comoros read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Comoros

Will my curling iron work in Comoros?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 220 volts used in Comoros:

Comoros power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Comorian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Comorian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Comoros?

Power outlets in Comoros are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Comoros?

Type C and E power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Comoros?

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is identified by 2 adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - The sunken round plug outlet, also known as a CEE 7/7 plug, can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral plus one long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Comoros is a Type E plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Comoros using a plug adapter. Note 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

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

The method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Comoros with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying 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 your airline that is flying you to Comoros 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 when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring 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 transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should I bring my domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Comoros?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Comoros as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Comorian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Comoros. Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler in Comoros. The costs of repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Comoros might be higher than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Comoros

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Comoros. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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 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 Comoros, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Comorian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a curling iron in Comoros using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Comoros - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Comoros you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Comoros by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Comorian power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Comorian power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Comoros using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Comoros using a Type E travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Comoros isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Comoros by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly insert the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral plus one metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Comorian power outlet. Your hair curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Comoros using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Comorian 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. 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.