How do I use my curling iron in Czech Republic?

Czech power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Czech Republic:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Czech Republic however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Czech power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Czech Republic, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Czech Republic otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Czech Republic please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Czech Republic

Will my curling iron work in Czech Republic?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Czech Republic. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Czech Republic. 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 will a voltage converter work with your curling iron in Czech Republic for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Czech Republic power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in a Czech power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Czech power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Czech Republic?

The residential voltage in Czech Republic is 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Czech Republic?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Czech Republic?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the power socket by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a long metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle shape.

A Type E power adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Czech Republic - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Czech Republic. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Czech Republic

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

One way to tell if your curling iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check 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, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Czech Republic then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Czech 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 230 volts used in a Czech power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Czech Republic.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Czech Republic or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Czech Republic with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Czech Republic 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 power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring my travel curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Czech Republic?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron rather than packing your existing domestic curling iron to Czech Republic as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Czech power outlet, provided that you use the correct plug adapter for Czech Republic.

It is also worth bearing in mind that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in suitcase by airline baggage handlers. The cost and inconvenience of repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Czech Republic might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to bring along your own personal curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Czech Republic

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Czech Republic?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Czech Republic?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Czech Republic, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Czech power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can you use a curling iron with a converter for Czech Republic?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Czech Republic. Travellers who wish to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it could be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably heavier and bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Czech Republic with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Czech Republic you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Czech Republic by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Czech power outlet. The wall outlet, also called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be recognised by the 2 round 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. Switch on the Czech power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Czech Republic using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Czech Republic using a type E power adapter

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Czech Republic using a 2 pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Czech Republic - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Czech Republic won't accomodate the plug shape of your curling iron. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Czech Republic by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. The sunken circular power supply can be recognised by two circular holes 19mm apart from each other along with a single metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle shape.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Czech power outlet. You can now turn on your curling iron in Czech Republic. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Czech Republic using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Czech Wikipedia 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 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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.