How to use your hair straighteners in Czech Republic

Czech power outlet

Will my hair straighteners work in Czech Republic?

Check that your hair straighteners can handle the voltage in Czech Republic:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing hair straighteners and other applicances with a 230 volt Czech power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than dedicated travel hair straighteners. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit in the types of power outlet used in Czech Republic, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Czech Republic otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic hair straighteners might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your hair straighteners won't handle the 230 volts used in Czech Republic you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your hair straighteners. Prior to using your hair straighteners in Czech Republic read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using hair straighteners in Czech Republic

Will my hair straighteners work in Czech Republic?

This will depend on if your hair straighteners is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Czech Republic:

Czech Republic power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Czech power outlet?

The frequency from a Czech power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Czech Republic?

The voltage in Czech Republic is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using  hair straighteners in Czech Republic?

Type C and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using hair straighteners in Czech Republic?

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

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet can be recognised by the two adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed circular power outlet, also called the type E power outlet or CEE 7/7 socket, can be recognised by the two adjacent holes plus a metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle shape.

A Type E plug adapter allows you to use 230 volt hair straighteners in Czech Republic, read the simple guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Czech Republic. Please note that unless you that have dual voltage hair straighteners you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

Are my hair straighteners dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your hair straighteners supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your hair straighteners, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage hair straighteners can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates single voltage hair straighteners. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Czech Republic then you should be able to use your hair straighteners with a Czech power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates single voltage hair straighteners which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Czech power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair straighteners then you can use it in Czech Republic.
  • A larger range separated with a dash or slash such as 100/240V indicates dual voltage hair straighteners capable of being used in Czech Republic or any other country.
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Travelling to Czech Republic with hair straighteners

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage to Czech Republic?

Travel hair straighteners with heat protective cap

Can hair straighteners go in your carry on luggage to Czech Republic?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair straighteners there are no restrictions when carrying mains powered hair straighteners in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is taking you to Czech Republic will allow hair straighteners onboard and that they will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your 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 avoiding a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as hair straighteners). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive hair straighteners 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.    [2] [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my hair straighteners to Czech Republic?

It is preferable to packing dual voltage travel hair straighteners as opposed to bringing your existing domestic hair straighteners to Czech Republic as it ensures that they'll operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Czech power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Czech Republic. It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic hair straighteners could place them at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Czech Republic. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing expensive specialised domestic hair straighteners in Czech Republic might be more than buying much cheaper dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal hair straighteners in your suitcase either slide them inside a sneaker or boot 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 will also allow the hair straighteners to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.   [11] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Czech Republic

Do I need a converter to use hair straighteners in Czech Republic?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow hair straighteners using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Czech Republic. Travellers who want to bring their existing hair straighteners can use a power converter, however it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase dedicated dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2]. A power converter is considerably heavier than travel hair straighteners making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to travel hair straighteners. [7] [AD]

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 will convert a 230 volt Czech power outlet to work with non-230 volt hair straighteners, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your hair straighteners to fit into a power outlet found in Czech Republic. [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?

A heat resistant glove

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.    [11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [AD]
How can I add a safety timer to my existing hair straighteners?

Hair straighteners connected to a timer power outlet

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:

  1. Add an automatic timer to any hair straighteners by plugging them into a timer socket then plugging the timer into a power outlet.
  2. Turn on the timer and use the hair straighteners as normal.
  3. After you have finishing using the hair straighteners turn off the power at the outlet.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  [16] [18] [AD]

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 Czech Republic using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Czech Republic by using a two pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that the hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't proceed as you could damage your straighteners, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel straighteners which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Czech Republic; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Czech Republic isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair straighteners you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Czech Republic simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Czech power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your hair straighteners into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Czech power outlet. The hair straighteners should now be ready to be used in Czech Republic. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Czech Republic using a type C power adapter

How to use hair straighteners in Czech Republic using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to power your hair straighteners in Czech Republic with a Type E power adapter.

  1. Check that your hair straighteners are either dual voltage travel hair straighteners [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your straighteners or blow a fuse. Dual voltage straighteners typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using your hair straighteners make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Czech Republic doesn't accomodate the plug on your hair straighteners you will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Czech Republic simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair straighteners to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. This recessed circular power supply (known as the Type E power outlet [5] or CEE 7/7 outlet) can be recognised by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes plus a single metal earth pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the hair straighteners into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Czech power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the straighteners for use in Czech Republic. [AD]
How to use  hair straighteners in Czech Republic using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Czech Republic country entry on Wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair straighteners
  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 hair straighteners -
  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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Heat protectant spray - Thermal protector spray used prior to styling with heated tools such as blow dryers and flat irons.
  16. Energy saving outlet with timer - Automatic power shut down of a connected appliance after a preset length of time.
  17. Flat iron hair straighteners which include a heat resistant bag - Example of hair straighteners with a protective bag suitable for travel.
  18. 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..