How do I use my clothes iron in Lesotho?

Basotho power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Lesotho:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Lesotho however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Basotho power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Lesotho, so check that your voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for Lesotho otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Lesotho you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Lesotho please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Lesotho

Will my clothes iron work in Lesotho?

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

Lesotho power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Lesotho?

The residential voltage in Lesotho is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Lesotho?

The frequency in a Basotho power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Lesotho?

The type of power outlet used in Lesotho is type M. You can identify the power socket by the three round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth. A Type M power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Lesotho - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Lesotho. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Lesotho?

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of your clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Lesotho then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Basotho power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Basotho power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Lesotho.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Lesotho or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Lesotho with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Lesotho will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron 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.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Lesotho

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will convert a 220 volt Basotho power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Lesotho. [5] [AD]

Do I need a converter for Lesotho to use a clothes iron?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Lesotho. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Lesotho using a type M power adapter

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Lesotho using a 3 pronged Type M power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type M plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Lesotho. The Type M plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Lesotho simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type M plug adapter into the Basotho power outlet. This plug supply, technically called the Type M power outlet [3], looks like 3 large holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and ground.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Basotho power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron for use in Lesotho. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lesotho using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Lesotho
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  4. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.