How do I use my clothes iron in Nigeria?

Nigerian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Nigeria:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter for Nigeria listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Nigeria however 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 clothes iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Nigerian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter 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 Nigeria, so check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Nigeria otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Nigeria please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Nigeria

Will my clothes iron work in Nigeria?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Nigeria:

Nigeria power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Nigeria?

Power outlets in Nigeria are 240 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used with a Nigerian power outlet?

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

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Nigeria?

Type D and G power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Nigeria?

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

  • Plug Type D - This power socket (known as a type D power outlet) looks like 3 round holes in a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type G - The wall socket, also known as a type G power outlet, looks like 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using a 240 volt clothes iron in Nigeria is a Type G power adapter; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Nigeria with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Nigeria

Dual voltage travel irons

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

One method to tell if your clothes iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug 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 can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Nigeria with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron to Nigeria?

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 Nigeria will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Nigeria

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Nigeria, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 240 volts from a Nigerian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use my clothes iron with a voltage converter for Nigeria?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Nigeria. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Nigeria with a Type D travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Nigeria - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Nigeria isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron. The Type D plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Nigeria simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the Nigerian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three circular holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nigerian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Nigeria using a type D power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Nigeria using a three prong Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Nigeria you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Nigeria 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 240 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes called the Type G power outlet [5], can be identified by the three rectangular slots containing shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nigerian power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Nigeria. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Nigeria using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nigerian Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel 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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.