Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha?

Tristanian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Tristan da Cunha:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Tristan da Cunha 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 240 volt Tristanian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier 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 Tristan da Cunha, so check that your power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Tristan da Cunha otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts used in Tristan da Cunha 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 Tristan da Cunha please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha

Will my clothes iron work in Tristan da Cunha?

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

Tristan da Cunha power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Tristan da Cunha?

Power outlets in Tristan da Cunha are 240 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Tristan da Cunha?

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

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha?

Type G power outlets are used in Tristan da Cunha. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three vertical holes forming a triangle pattern. A suitable power adapter to bring for using a 240 volt clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha?
Buy a plug adapter for Tristan da Cunha

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it 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 depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Tristan da Cunha with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Tristan da Cunha will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping cables 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Tristan da Cunha

Do I need a power converter to use a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Tristan da Cunha. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 240 volts from a Tristanian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Tristan da Cunha. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha using a type G power adapter

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha with a 3 pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Tristan da Cunha. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Tristan da Cunha 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 240 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the Tristanian power outlet. This plug supply, technically called the Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by the 3 vertical holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tristanian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Tristan da Cunha using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tristanian country wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.