How to use your curling iron in Liberia

Liberian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Liberia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Liberia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Liberian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Liberia, so please check that your voltage transformer comes with a power adapter for Liberia otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [12] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Liberia please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Liberia

Will my curling iron work in Liberia?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Liberia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 240 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in Liberia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter with a curling iron in Liberia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [12] [AD]

Liberia power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Liberia?

The frequency of the current used in a Liberian power outlet is 50Hz. [13]

What voltage is used in Liberia?

Power outlets in Liberia are 240 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Liberia?

There are five different types of power outlets used in Liberia, these are type B, A,C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the plug socket by 2 adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the plug socket by 2 slots parallel to each other where the two blades slide into with a hole below for the ground pin.
  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into and one metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangular pattern.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this wall outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes along with two thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 240 volt curling iron in Liberia is a Type B power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Liberia using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [14] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Liberia?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Liberia with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in carry on to Liberia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Liberia will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you 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 provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [15] [16] [17] [AD]

Should I bring travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Liberia?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Liberian power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Liberia. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Liberia could overshadow the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [16] [AD]

Power converters for Liberia

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Liberia?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter for Liberia?

An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 240 volt Liberian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Liberia. [12] [AD]

Can I use a curling iron with a converter in Liberia?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Liberia. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron, but it might be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [12] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Liberia using a type B power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Liberia with a three pinned Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts to use in Liberia, refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Liberia you'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Liberia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it into the Liberian power outlet. The power supply (called a Type B power outlet [3]) is recognised by the 2 slots parallel to each other where the two blades sit with a single hole below for the ground pin.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liberian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Liberia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Liberia using a type B power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Liberia with a two pin Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in Liberia; refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Liberia you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Liberia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two round adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liberian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Liberia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Liberia using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Liberia with a Type E power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8] if the type of power outlet which is used in Liberia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron. The Type E plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Liberia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it into the Liberian power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other and a long metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Liberia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Liberia using a type E power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Liberia with a Type F power charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in Liberia; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Liberia you will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [8]. The Type F plug adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Liberia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. This round wall supply can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Liberia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Liberia using a type F power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Liberia using a type A power adapter

How to use your curling iron in Liberia with a three blade Type A travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts for use in Liberia; refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes that you're not already using a curling iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your curling iron can work with a 240 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [11] if the shape of the power outlet used in Liberia won't take the plug on your curling iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Liberia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type A plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 thin slots.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liberian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Liberia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Liberia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Liberian Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. 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..
  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 F power outlet
  10. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  11. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  12. 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..
  13. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  14. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  15. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  16. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.