Using a curling iron in Benin

Beninese power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Benin:

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) 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:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Benin but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Beninese power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Benin, therefore please check that your power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Benin otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note that your personal curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Benin you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your curling iron in Benin please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Benin

Will my curling iron work in Benin?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Benin:

Benin power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Beninese power outlet?

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

What voltage is used in Benin?

Power outlets in Benin are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Benin?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Benin?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed wall outlet (called a Europlug) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - This round power socket, technically known as the type E power outlet, can be recognised by the two 4.8mm holes 19mm apart from each other where the twin plug socket pins go and one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangular pattern.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Benin, read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Benin. 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.  [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 a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Benin then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Beninese power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Beninese power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Benin.
  • 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 Benin or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Benin with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on luggage to Benin?

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 verify that the airline who is taking you to Benin 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 for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables 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 use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Benin?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Beninese power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Benin.

Be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by a baggage handlers in Benin. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Benin might be more than purchasing a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, 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.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Benin

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Benin. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own curling iron, but it might be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Benin, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 220 volt Beninese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Benin using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue 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 you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Benin; refer to the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Benin. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Benin simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the Beninese power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Beninese power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Benin. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Benin using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Benin by using a Type E travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Benin you'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6]. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Benin simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two round adjacent holes plus a single long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Beninese power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Benin. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Benin using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Beninese Wikipedia 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. 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.