Using your curling iron in Senegal

Senegalese power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Senegal:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Senegal however 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 230 volt Senegalese power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Senegal, therefore please check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Senegal otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Senegal you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Senegal please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Senegal

Will my curling iron work in Senegal?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Senegal:

Senegal power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Senegal?

Power outlets in Senegal are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Senegal?

The frequency of the current from a Senegalese power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Senegal?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Senegal, types D, C, E and K with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the twin pins slide into.
  • Plug Type D - The power socket (known as a type D power outlet) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two large holes 19mm adjacent to each other plus one long metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type K - This power outlet (also known as a type K power outlet) can be recognised by 3 large holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.

A Type D plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Senegal - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Senegal. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Senegal?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or 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, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Senegal with a curling iron

Should you bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Senegal?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Senegal as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Senegalese power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Senegal. Note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Senegal could be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [14] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Senegal?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is taking you to Senegal will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Senegal

Can you use your curling iron with a converter for Senegal?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Senegal. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [11] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Senegalese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Senegal. [11] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use a curling iron in Senegal using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Senegal isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron. This plug adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Senegal simply 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Senegalese power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Senegalese power outlet. You can now switch on the curling iron for use in Senegal. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Senegal using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Senegal using a type D power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Senegal with a 3 pronged Type D power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Senegal. The Type D plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Senegal by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the Senegalese power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Senegalese power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Senegal using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Senegal with a 2 pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Senegal, consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Senegal you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter will help fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Senegal by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. The circular wall outlet (sometimes called a CEE 7/7 outlet or Type E power outlet [7]) can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a single metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Senegalese power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Senegal using a type E power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Senegal using a type K power adapter

How to power your curling iron in Senegal with a 2 pronged Type K power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Senegal - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Senegal you will need to use a Type K plug adapter [10]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Senegal simply 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type K plug adapter into the power outlet. The power outlet (technically called the Type K power outlet [9]) can be recognised by 3 large holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Senegalese power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Senegal using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Senegal Wikipedia 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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.