Using a clothes iron in Rwanda

Rwandan power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Rwanda:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Rwanda however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Rwandan power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Rwanda, therefore check that the power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Rwanda otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Note that your personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Rwanda you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Rwanda please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Rwanda

Will my clothes iron work in Rwanda?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts which are used in Rwanda:

Rwanda power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Rwandan power outlet?

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

What voltage is used in Rwanda?

Power outlets in Rwanda are 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Rwanda?

Type C and J power outlets

Which power adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Rwanda?

There are two types of power outlets used in Rwanda, types J and C with the primary power outlets being type J:

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket (technically known as the Europlug) can be identified by the two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type J - You can identify this squashed hexagon shaped plug socket by 3 large round holes forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.

A Type J power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Rwanda - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Rwanda. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of the clothes iron. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Rwanda then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Rwandan 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 230 volts used in a Rwandan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Rwanda.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Rwanda or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Rwanda with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on luggage to Rwanda?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Rwanda will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Rwanda

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter converts a 230 volt Rwandan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Rwanda. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter in Rwanda to use my clothes iron?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Rwanda. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is considerably heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Rwanda using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Rwanda by using a two pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Rwanda, please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Rwanda. The Type C plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Rwanda by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. The power supply (sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by 2 adjacent holes.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Rwandan power outlet.
  6. Your iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Rwanda using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Rwanda using a type J power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Rwanda by using a three pin Type J travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Rwanda doesn't take the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to use a Type J plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Rwanda simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type J plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. This hexagon shaped plug outlet, sometimes called a Type J power outlet [5], looks like three holes in a flattened triangular pattern.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type J plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Rwandan power outlet. Your iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Rwanda using a type J power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Rwanda Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel 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 J power outlet
  6. Type J plug adapter - This 3-pin Type J travel adapter adheres to the Swiss SN 441011 standard, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Switzerland and Liechtenstein..
  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.