How do I use my curling iron in Nigeria?

Nigerian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can handle the voltage in Nigeria:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Nigeria but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Nigerian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Nigeria, therefore check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Nigeria otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your curling iron in Nigeria please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Nigeria

Will my curling iron work in Nigeria?

That will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Nigeria:

Nigeria power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Nigeria?

Power outlets in Nigeria are 240 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Nigerian power outlet?

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

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Nigeria?

Type D and G power outlets

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Nigeria?

There are two types of power outlets used in Nigeria, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - The plug outlet (technically known as a type D power outlet) can be identified by three holes in a triangular pattern.
  • Plug Type G - The plug socket, also called a type G power outlet, looks like three slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern.

A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Nigeria, read the simple guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Nigeria. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Nigeria

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron will support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Nigeria with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Nigeria?

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 240 volt power outlets used with a Nigerian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Nigeria.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airport baggage handler in Nigeria. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Nigeria might be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is flying you to Nigeria 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Nigeria

Do I need a converter for Nigeria to use my curling iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Nigeria. Travellers who want to bring along their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 240 volts from a Nigerian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Nigeria. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in Nigeria with a Type D power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Nigeria. This Type D plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Nigeria simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type D plug adapter in the Nigerian power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by three round holes forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nigerian power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Nigeria. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Nigeria using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions on how to power your curling iron in Nigeria using a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because 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 accept 240 volts to use in Nigeria; please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Nigeria you'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Nigeria by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type G power outlet [5]) can be identified by three holes in a triangular pattern.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nigerian power outlet.
  6. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Nigeria. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Nigeria using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nigerian country page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.