How do I use a curling iron in India?

Indian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in India:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for India but 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 an 230 volt Indian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in India, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for India otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in India please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in India

Will my curling iron work in India?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets in India. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use the curling iron in India. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on do you need a power converter to use your curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

India power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in India?

Power outlets in India are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with an Indian power outlet?

The frequency found in an Indian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in India?

Type C, D and M power outlets

Which power adapter do you need when using a curling iron in India?

There are three types of power outlets used in India, these are type D, C and M with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded wall socket (known as the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify the plug outlet by three round holes in a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type M - This power socket, technically called a type M power outlet, looks like three holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.

A Type D plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in India - read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in India. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron can support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to India with a curling iron

Should I bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to India?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Indian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for India. Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in India. The inconvenience and costs of replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in India could be higher than purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase 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 packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [12] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing 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 check that the airline who is taking you to India will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing your 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 will avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around 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 most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for India

Do I need a power converter to use my curling iron in India?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in India. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron, however it could be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 230 volt Indian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, however 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 India. [9] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in India with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in India, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in India doesn't accomodate the plug on your curling iron. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in India simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The power supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Indian power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in India. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in India using a type C power adapter

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

A guide on how to power a curling iron in India with a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because 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 the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in India you'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in India by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type D plug adapter in the Indian power outlet. The power supply, sometimes known as the Type D power outlet [5], looks like three circular holes in a triangle pattern.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Indian power outlet. Your curling iron is now ready for use in India. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in India using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in India using a type M power adapter

A guide on how to power a curling iron in India with a Type M travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in India, please consult the instructions to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [8] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in India doesn't take the plug on your curling iron. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in India simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type M plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by three large circular holes in a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Indian power outlet. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in India using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - India Wiki 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 M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.