Which plug adapter will you need for using hair straighteners in Kuwait?
Will my hair straighteners work in Kuwait?
First check that your hair straighteners can work in Kuwait:
- If your hair straighteners can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your hair straighteners will not fit.
If not then either:
- Use dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Kuwait but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 240 volt Kuwaiti power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Kuwait, so please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Kuwait otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Using hair straighteners in Kuwait
Will my hair straighteners work in Kuwait?
This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to operate using the 240 volts used in Kuwait. If you're using either dual voltage hair straighteners or your hair straighteners can handle 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Kuwait. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your hair straighteners in Kuwait for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]
Kuwait power outlets and plug sockets
What frequency is used in Kuwait?
The frequency of the current in a Kuwaiti power outlet is 50Hz. [8]
What is the voltage in Kuwait?
Power outlets in Kuwait are 240 volts.
Which travel adapter do you need when using hair straighteners in Kuwait?
There are two different types of power outlets used in Kuwait, types G and C with the primary power outlets being type G:
- Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins sit.
- Plug Type G - The wall outlet, technically called a type G power outlet, can be identified by the three holes with shutters forming a triangle shape.
A Type G power adapter will allow you to use 240 volt hair straighteners in Kuwait, read the step by step guide below for full details of using hair straighteners in Kuwait. Be aware that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also need to bring a power converter. [6] [9] [AD]
Dual voltage hair straighteners
Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?
A simple method to tell if your hair straighteners supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.
- Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Kuwait then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Kuwaiti power outlet.
- Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 240 volts used in a Kuwaiti power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Kuwait.
- Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your hair straighteners will be capable of being used in Kuwait or any other country if these numbers are shown.
Travelling to Kuwait with hair straighteners
Can hair straighteners go in your carry on hand 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 also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Kuwait will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.
Packing the hair straighteners in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves them easily accessible for airport security checks, they can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey. [10] [11] [12] [13] [AD]
Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Kuwait?
It is preferable to bring dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to packing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Kuwait as it is safer to assume that they'll work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Kuwaiti power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Kuwait. Please be aware that bringing your expensive domestic hair straighteners might place them at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by an airline baggage handler in Kuwait. The cost and inconvenience of repairing or replacing expensive quality hair straighteners in Kuwait could outweigh the costs of buying cheap dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own hair straighteners in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide them inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant 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 waiting to cool down. [12] [14] [AD]
Power converters for Kuwait
Can I use my hair straighteners with a power converter for Kuwait?
The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Kuwait. Travellers wishing to use their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, travel hair straighteners can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making travel hair straighteners more suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]
What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?
A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Kuwait, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from a Kuwaiti power outlet to work with non-240 volt hair straighteners. [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. [12] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [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 Kuwait using a type C power adapter
How to use hair straighteners in Kuwait with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.
- Ensure that your straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage hair straighteners usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Kuwait, please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
- You'll need to bring a Type C power adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your hair straighteners isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Kuwait. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Kuwait simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 240 volt supply.
- Plug in the Type C power adapter into the Kuwaiti power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
- Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type C power adapter.
- Turn on the Kuwaiti power outlet.
- You can now switch on your straighteners in Kuwait. [AD]
How to use hair straighteners in Kuwait using a type G power adapter
How to power hair straighteners in Kuwait using a Type G power adapter.
- Please check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply; if not then don't continue as you may blow a fuse, damage your straighteners or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel hair straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting; please consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
- You'll need to buy a Type G power adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Kuwait isn't the same shape as the plug of your hair straighteners. This Type G power adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Kuwait 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.
- Begin the process by taking the Type G power adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 3 vertical rectangular slots in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
- Plug in the hair straighteners into the Type G power adapter.
- Switch on the Kuwaiti power outlet. Your hair straighteners are now ready to be used in Kuwait. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - wikipedia page about Kuwait
- Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
- iec.ch - Type C power outlet
- Type C power 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 G power outlet
- Type G power adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
- 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 -
- Dual voltage travel flat iron hair straighteners - Dual voltage flat iron hair straighteners are equipped with adjustable temperature settings, providing 110/220 volts compatibility for global use. Titanium-coated plates ensure even heat distribution, making them ideal for international travel..
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair straighteners -
- Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
- 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.
- 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..
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