Which plug adapter do I need for using a curling iron in Kuwait?

Kuwaiti power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Kuwait:

  • If your curling iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Kuwait 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 Kuwaiti power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Kuwait, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for Kuwait otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Kuwait you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Kuwait please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Kuwait

Will my curling iron work in Kuwait?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 240 volts as used in Kuwait:

Kuwait power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Kuwaiti power outlet?

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

What voltage is used in Kuwait?

Power outlets in Kuwait are 240 volts.

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Kuwait?

Type C and G power outlets

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Kuwait?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Kuwait, these are type G and C with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket, technically known as the Europlug, is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify this wall outlet by 3 slots in a triangle shape.

A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Kuwait; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Kuwait with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Kuwait with a curling iron

Can you bring a curling iron in your carry on hand luggage to Kuwait?

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 which is taking you to Kuwait will allow curling irons 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 checks, 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 recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Kuwait?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Kuwait as it ensures that it will work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Kuwaiti power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Kuwait. Be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers in Kuwait. The costs involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Kuwait might outweigh the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand. If you intend to pack your own personal 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 heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Kuwait

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms a 240 volt Kuwaiti 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 Kuwait. [7] [AD]

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Kuwait. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing curling iron, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a curling iron in Kuwait by using a 2 pinned 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 but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in Kuwait; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Kuwait you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Kuwait 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. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply (called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3]) can be identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Kuwaiti power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Kuwait. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Kuwait using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Kuwait with a Type G power charger.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel curling irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Kuwait won't take the plug of your curling iron. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet used in Kuwait 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. Start the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the Kuwaiti power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 slots in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kuwaiti power outlet. Your hair curling iron is now ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Kuwait using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Kuwait
  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 G power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.