Which plug adapter will I need when using hair straighteners in Liberia?

Liberian power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Liberia?

First check your hair straighteners can work in Liberia:

If not then:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 240 volt Liberian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the wall outlet used in Liberia, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Liberia otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [12] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle 240 volts used in Liberia you run the potential risk of damage to your hair straighteners, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your hair straighteners in Liberia check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Liberia

Will my hair straighteners work in Liberia?

That depends on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 240 volt power outlets used in Liberia:

Liberia power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Liberian power outlet?

The frequency found in a Liberian power outlet is 50Hz. [13]

What mains voltage is used in Liberia?

Power outlets in Liberia are 240 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Liberia?

There are five types of power outlets used in Liberia, these are type B, A,C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - This ungrounded power socket, also known as a type A power outlet, is identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this wall socket by two slots parallel to each other with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the longer grounded pin.
  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the wall socket by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes where the twin pins go along with one long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the power outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use 240 volt hair straighteners in Liberia is a Type B plug adapter - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Liberia. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [14] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need when using  hair straighteners in Liberia?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners, it could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might change automatically but other straighteners will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Liberia then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Liberian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 240 volts used in a Liberian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you should be able to use it in Liberia.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Liberia or any other country.
 [2] [AD]

Travelling to Liberia with hair straighteners

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on luggage?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can you pack hair straighteners in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Liberia will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible when going through airport security, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.    [2] [15] [16] [17] [AD]

Should I bring my travel hair straighteners or domestic hair straighteners to Liberia?

Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to packing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Liberian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Liberia. Please note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers. The cost involved in replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Liberia could overshadow the costs of buying cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage either slot them inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which will also allow the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.   [16] [18] [AD]

Power converters for Liberia

Do you need a voltage converter to use your hair straighteners in Liberia?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Liberia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own domestic hair straighteners, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be significantly smaller than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable for packing. [12] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 240 volt Liberian power outlet to work with non-240 volt hair straighteners, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet found in Liberia. [12] [AD]

Hair straightener safety

Are hair straighteners dangerous?

The temperature of the ceramic plates used in hair straighteners can reach over 200 degrees with the potential to burn hair, skin, and even start a fire if not used correctly. According to figures from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service electrical beauty products have been responsible for an estimated 650,000 fires in the United Kingdom alone.

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

A heat resistant glove

How can I minimise risk using hair straighteners?

  • Skin protection: Wear heat resistant gloves during styling to protect hands from heat.
  • Children's protection: With 10% of children's burns being caused by hair straighteners it is recommended to look for flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag to keep the plates closed shut when not in use, making it easier to store out of reach of children.
  • Luggage protection: Placing hair straighteners directly into luggage without allowing them to cool down can risk damage to clothes and heating up combustible or flammable packed items. If your hair straighteners weren't supplied with a heat protective cap then wrap them in a heat resistant mat or use a hot tools travel case to pack them into luggage whilst warm. A travel case will also keep expensive hair straighteners protected from damage during transit.
  • Hair protection: Applying a heat protectant spray prior to using hair straighteners is essential to prevent burning, as well as using the correct technique for your hair type - read our guide on how to use hair straighteners for comprehensive information.
  • Fire protection: It can take up to 40 minutes for hair straighteners to cool down so resting your straighteners on a heat resistant mat could reduce the risk of setting fire to furniture. Forgetting to turn off hot domestic appliances can also cause fires. This risk can be reduced by using a model of straightener with a timer socket which will turn itself off automatically after a certain length of time, you can also add this feature to any basic straighteners by using a timer socket in a power outlet.    [16] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

1 in 12 owners of hair straighteners admit to forgetting to turn them off after use, unless your hair straighteners have a built in automatic timer then leaving them on could potentially start a fire. However you can add this functionality to any model even if it doesn't have an integrated timer:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. However if you forget to turn the power outlet off then the timer will automatically switch off the straighteners after a pre-set length of time. Depending on the model of timer this could be 15, 30, 60 or 120 minutes - ideally pick the shortest length of time possible.
  5. For added peace of mind use a power outlet splitter to share the outlet from the timer with both your hair straighteners and a lamp. When the timer is running both the straighteners and the lamp will be turned on, making the lamp a clear indicator that the straighteners are still being heated. When leaving a room it is second nature to ensure all lights are turned off, if the lamp is still on then this acts as a reminder to switch off the straighteners.
  [21] [23] [AD]

How to treat a hot iron burn

If you accidentally burn yourself run cold water under your burn and if it is severe it is advised to seek medical attention from a doctor or hospital.

How to use hair straighteners in Liberia using a type B power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Liberia using a Type B travel charger.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting to use in Liberia, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Liberia. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Liberia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The power supply, technically known as a Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet blades sit with a hole below for the earth pin.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners for use in Liberia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Liberia using a type B power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Liberia using a type C power adapter

A page showing how to power your hair straighteners in Liberia by using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your hair straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage hair straighteners might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts for use in Liberia - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Liberia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [6]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Liberia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the Liberian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Next plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liberian power outlet.
  6. Your straighteners are now ready for use in Liberia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Liberia using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Liberia using a type E power adapter

How to power hair straighteners in Liberia using a Type E travel charger.

  1. Check that the straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in Liberia; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to use a Type E plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Liberia. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Liberia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type E plug adapter in the power outlet. This recessed round power outlet (sometimes known as a CEE 7/7 plug) can be identified by the two round holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit with a metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular shape.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet. You can now switch on the straighteners for use in Liberia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Liberia using a type E power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Liberia using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to use hair straighteners in Liberia with a 2 pinned Type F power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply; but if not then do not continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair straighteners. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Liberia - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Liberia. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Liberia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral along with a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liberian power outlet. You can now turn on your straighteners for use in Liberia. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Liberia using a type F power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Liberia using a type A power adapter

How to power your hair straighteners in Liberia using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Travel straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating your straighteners make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Liberia, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. These instructions assume that you are not already using hair straighteners with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair straighteners will work with a 240 volt power outlet). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [11] if the shape of plug used on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Liberia. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Liberia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The wall supply, technically called a Type A power outlet [10], can be recognised by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades.
  4. After that plug in your hair straighteners into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet.
  6. The straighteners are now ready for use. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Liberia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Liberia wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  10. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  11. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  12. 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..
  13. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  14. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  15. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
  16. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
  18. Heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons - Protects surfaces from hot hair irons and wraps around the appliance allowing instant packing into baggage.
  19. Heat resistant gloves for hair styling - Heat resistant glove recommended to protect skin against the risk of heat from a curling iron, flat iron or hair dryer.
  20. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  21. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  22. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  23. Power outlet splitter - A power outlet splitter transforms a single wall outlet into multiple AC outlets which is a practical solution for using multiple appliances in locations with limited access to power outlets, such as hotels or airports..