Which travel adapter will I need when using a curling iron in Togo?

Togolese power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can work in Togo:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Togo 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 Togolese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Togo, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Togo otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Togo you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Togo please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Togo

Will my curling iron work in Togo?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts used in Togo. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use the curling iron in Togo. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read our guide on will a power converter work with a curling iron in Togo for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Togo power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Togo?

Power outlets in Togo are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Togolese power outlet?

The frequency found in a Togolese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Togo?

Type C power outlets are used in Togo. The power outlet, also known as the Europlug, is identified by two holes next to each other. A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 220 volt curling iron in Togo is a Type C power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Togo with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Togo?
Plug adapters for Togo

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 vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Togo then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Togolese 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 220 volts used in a Togolese power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Togo.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Togo or any other country.

Travelling to Togo with a curling iron

Is it better to bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Togo?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Togo as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Togolese power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Togo.

Please note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Togo. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Togo might overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot 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.  [8] [AD]

Can you carry on a curling iron to Togo in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Togo 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 when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables 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 advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Togo

Do you need a power converter to use your curling iron in Togo?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Togo. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring along 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 buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel curling iron. [5] [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 lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Togo, however a heavy and bulkier power converter will transform a 220 volt Togolese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

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

A guide showing you how to use your curling iron in Togo using a 2 pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Togo; please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Togo you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Togo by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type C plug adapter in the Togolese power outlet. This power outlet, also called a Europlug, is identified by two holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Togolese power outlet. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Togo using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Togo
  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. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.