Using your curling iron in Mali

Malian power outlet

Summary

First check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Mali:

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Mali but 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 220 volt Malian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier 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 power outlet used in Mali, so check that your voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Mali otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your domestic curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Mali you run a risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Mali please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Mali

Will my curling iron work in Mali?

That will depend on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Mali:

Mali power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Mali?

The frequency of the current from a Malian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Mali?

The common residential voltage in Mali is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Mali?

Type C and E power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using a curling iron in Mali?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed round plug outlet, technically called the CEE 7/7 socket, can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a single metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular shape.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Mali; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Mali. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your curling iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Mali with a curling iron

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

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Malian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Mali.

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 transit by an airline baggage handler in Mali. The inconvenience and costs involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Mali might overshadow the costs of purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] beforehand to bring along with you. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage either slot 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 immediately after use without waiting to cool down.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron to Mali?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Mali will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). 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 greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Mali

Do you need a voltage converter for Mali to use a curling iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Mali. Travellers wishing to bring their own curling iron can use a power converter, but it can 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 bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Malian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Mali. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your curling iron in Mali with a 2 pronged Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage curling irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Mali - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Mali. The Type C plug adapter will fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Mali by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. This unearthed power supply (known as a Type C power outlet [3]) is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Malian power outlet. The curling iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mali using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a curling iron in Mali using a Type E travel charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Mali won't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Mali by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large holes 19mm adjacent to each other plus one long metal grounding pin protruding the top to form a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in your curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Malian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Mali using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Mali
  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.