Using a curling iron in Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinean power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Equatorial Guinea:

  • If your curling iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Equatorial Guinea but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 220 volt Equatorial Guinean power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Equatorial Guinea, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Equatorial Guinea otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Equatorial Guinea please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Equatorial Guinea

Will my curling iron work in Equatorial Guinea?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Equatorial Guinea. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use the curling iron in Equatorial Guinea. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Equatorial Guinea power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Equatorial Guinea?

Power outlets in Equatorial Guinea are 220 volts.

What frequency is used in an Equatorial Guinean power outlet?

The frequency in an Equatorial Guinean power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Equatorial Guinea?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a curling iron in Equatorial Guinea?

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is identified by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type E - This sunken circular wall socket, also known as the type E power outlet, can be identified by two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go with a metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangle shape.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 220 volt curling iron in Equatorial Guinea is a Type E plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Equatorial Guinea. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Equatorial Guinea

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Equatorial Guinea with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Equatorial Guinea?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with an Equatorial Guinean power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Equatorial Guinea.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Equatorial Guinea might be higher than buying a cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Equatorial Guinea in my hand 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 US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Equatorial Guinea will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping wires tightly around curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Equatorial Guinea

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Equatorial Guinea?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Equatorial Guinea?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from an Equatorial Guinean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Equatorial Guinea. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Equatorial Guinea to use a curling iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Equatorial Guinea. Travellers who wish to use their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

A page showing how to power your curling iron in Equatorial Guinea with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your 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 don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Equatorial Guinea - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Equatorial Guinea you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Equatorial Guinea simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the Equatorial Guinean power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Equatorial Guinean power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Equatorial Guinea. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Equatorial Guinea using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Equatorial Guinea using a two pronged Type E power charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Equatorial Guinea. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Equatorial Guinea simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two large round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with one long metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Equatorial Guinean power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Equatorial Guinea using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Equatorial Guinea
  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.