How do I use hair straighteners in Algeria?
Will my hair straighteners work in Algeria?
Check your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Algeria:
- If your hair straighteners can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the right power adapter for Algeria listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.
If not then:
- Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Algeria but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with an 230 volt Algerian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the power outlet used in Algeria, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Algeria otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Using hair straighteners in Algeria
Will my hair straighteners work in Algeria?
This will depend on if your hair straighteners can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Algeria. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use the hair straighteners in Algeria. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2], read the section on can you use a power converter to use your hair straighteners in Algeria for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]
Algeria power outlets and plug sockets
What is the mains voltage in Algeria?
Power outlets in Algeria are 230 volts.
What is the electrical frequency used in Algeria?
The frequency of the current in an Algerian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]
Which travel adapter will you need to use hair straighteners in Algeria?
There are two different types of power outlets used in Algeria, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:
- Plug Type C - This wall socket (called a Europlug) is recognised by the two holes next to each other where the twin plug socket pins go.
- Plug Type F - This round power socket, technically known as a Schuko socket, can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go and thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
A suitable travel adapter to bring when using 230 volt hair straighteners in Algeria is a Type F plug adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use hair straighteners in Algeria. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a voltage converter. [6] [9] [AD]
Dual voltage hair straighteners
Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?
The way to tell if your hair straighteners can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the hair straighteners. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your hair straighteners and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other straighteners will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Algeria then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with an Algerian 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 230 volts used in an Algerian power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Algeria.
- A large range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Algeria or any other country.
Travelling to Algeria with hair straighteners
Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Algeria?
Bringing dual voltage travel hair straighteners are preferable to bringing your existing hair straighteners as it ensures that they will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Algerian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Algeria.
Note that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might put them at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers in Algeria. The cost of replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Algeria might be more than purchasing much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own personal hair straighteners in your luggage it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, or use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case or heat resistant mat pouch for hair straighteners and curling irons which also allows the hair straighteners to be packed right after use without risk of burning. [10] [11] [AD]
Can I take hair straighteners in my carry on luggage?
According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there is no restriction on bringing mains powered hair straighteners in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Algeria 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 checks, they can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive hair straighteners in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit. [2] [10] [12] [13] [AD]
Power converters for Algeria
Can you use your hair straighteners with a voltage converter in Algeria?
The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your hair straighteners using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Algeria. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. In addition, travel hair straighteners can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]
What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?
An expensive and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Algerian power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, but a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to slot into a power outlet in Algeria. [7] [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?
- 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. [10] [11] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]
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:
- Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
- Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
- After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Algeria using a type C power adapter
How to use hair straighteners in Algeria by using a 2 prong Type C travel adapter.
- Please make sure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't proceed because you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
- If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Algeria you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Algeria by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other.
- Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
- Switch on the Algerian power outlet. Your straighteners should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Algeria using a type F power adapter
How to use hair straighteners in Algeria by using a 2 prong Type F travel adapter.
- Ensure that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage hair straighteners sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your straighteners ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is.
- If the plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Algeria you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Algeria simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
- First plug in the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.
- Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type F plug adapter.
- Turn on the Algerian power outlet. Your straighteners should now be ready for use. [AD]
See also
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org page about Algeria
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
- iec.ch - Type C power outlet
- 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..
- iec.ch - Type F power outlet
- Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
- 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.
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
- 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.
- Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
- Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
- Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
- 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..
2 other devices in this category | |
Connecting an Algerian power outlet to: |
|