How to use a curling iron in Poland

Polish power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can work in Poland:

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Poland but 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 230 volt Polish power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Poland, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Poland otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Poland please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Poland

Will my curling iron work in Poland?

It depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Poland:

Poland power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Poland?

Power outlets in Poland are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Poland?

The frequency found in a Polish power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Poland?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Poland?

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

  • Plug Type C - This plug outlet (called the Europlug) can be recognised by the two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type E - This circular power outlet (known as a type E power outlet or CEE 7/7 plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the two pins go with a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt curling iron in Poland is a Type E power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Poland. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is 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 handle or plug of your curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions 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 Poland then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Polish 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 a Polish power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Poland.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Poland or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Poland with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Poland?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Poland as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Polish power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Poland.

Note that packing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Poland. The cost of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Poland could outweigh the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Poland will allow curling irons 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 for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Poland

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Polish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Poland. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron in Poland?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Poland. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Poland using a 2 pin Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Poland. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Poland by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type C plug adapter in the Polish power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  4. Next plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Polish power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Poland using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing you how to use a curling iron in Poland with a two pronged Type E travel charger.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Poland; please consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Poland isn't the same shape as the plug on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Poland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other along with one long metal earth pin protruding the top in a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Polish power outlet. Your hair curling iron should now be ready for use in Poland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Poland using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Poland Wikipedia web 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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.