Which travel adapter will I need to use a curling iron in Iraq?

Iraqi power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Iraq:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Iraq however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Iraqi power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes 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 Iraq, so check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Iraq otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Iraq you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Iraq please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Iraq

Will my curling iron work in Iraq?

That depends on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts used in Iraq. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use your curling iron in Iraq. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our guide on will a power converter work with your domestic curling iron in Iraq for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Iraq power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Iraq?

The frequency of the current from an Iraqi power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What voltage is used in Iraq?

The common residential voltage used in Iraq is 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Iraq?

Type C, D and G power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Iraq?

There are three types of power outlets used in Iraq, types G, C and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the plug socket by the 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise the plug socket by 3 holes forming a triangular pattern.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise the power outlet by 3 vertical rectangular holes in a triangular pattern.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Iraq; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Iraq. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [8] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Iraq then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Iraqi 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 230 volts used in an Iraqi power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Iraq.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Iraq or any other country.

Travelling to Iraq with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your carry on hand luggage to Iraq?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Iraq will allow a curling iron 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 by airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [12] [13] [14] [AD]

Is it safer to bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Iraq?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Iraqi power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Iraq.

It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Iraq could overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [13] [AD]

Power converters for Iraq

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

Voltage converter

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 Iraqi power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Iraq. [9] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter in Iraq to use a curling iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Iraq. Travellers who want to bring along their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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

How to use a curling iron in Iraq by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Iraq doesn't accomodate the plug of your curling iron. The Type C plug adapter will help convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Iraq by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to plug in the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iraqi power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron for use in Iraq. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Iraq using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Iraq using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Iraq by using a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Iraq; consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Iraq you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Iraq by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter in the Iraqi power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 3 holes in a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iraqi power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron for use in Iraq. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Iraq using a type D power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Iraq using a type G power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Iraq by using a 3 prong Type G travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Iraq. This Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Iraq simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by three vertical rectangular holes forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iraqi power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron to use in Iraq. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Iraq using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Iraq Wikipedia web page
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. Type G plug 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  13. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.