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

Bruneian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Brunei:

  • If your curling iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Brunei however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Bruneian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Brunei, so please check that your power converter has the right power adapter for Brunei otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Brunei you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Brunei check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Brunei

Will my curling iron work in Brunei?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 240 volts which are used in Brunei:

Brunei power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Brunei?

The frequency from a Bruneian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Brunei?

Power outlets in Brunei are 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Brunei?

Type G power outlet

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Brunei?

The type of power outlet used in Brunei is type G. You can recognise this wall outlet by three vertical rectangular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins. A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 240 volt curling iron in Brunei is a Type G power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Brunei. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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 check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Brunei with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Brunei will allow a curling iron 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Brunei?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Bruneian power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Brunei. Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by a baggage handlers in Brunei. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Brunei could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Brunei

Do I need a converter to use a curling iron in Brunei?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Brunei. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing curling iron, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. 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. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 240 volts from a Bruneian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Brunei. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Brunei using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Brunei by using a Type G power charger.

  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 it doesn't then do not continue as you might 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 to use in Brunei; refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Brunei. This Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Brunei 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. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. This wall supply (technically known as the Type G power outlet [3]) looks like three slots containing shutters forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bruneian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron to use in Brunei. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Brunei using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bruneian Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.