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

Nepali power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Nepal:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Nepal 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 230 volt Nepali power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Nepal, so check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Nepal otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Nepal read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Nepal

Will my clothes iron work in Nepal?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts used in Nepal:

Nepal power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Nepali power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Nepali power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Nepal?

Power outlets in Nepal are 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Nepal?

Type C, D and M power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Nepal?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Nepal, types D, C and M with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise the wall socket by three holes forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type M - The wall socket (technically called a type M power outlet) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular shape.

A Type D power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Nepal - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Nepal. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Nepal with a clothes iron

Can you pack a clothes iron in your hand 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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Nepal 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 cables tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Nepal

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 lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Nepal, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Nepali power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter in Nepal to use your clothes iron?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Nepal. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [9] [AD]

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

A guide on how to use a clothes iron in Nepal with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Nepal - please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Nepal you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Nepal 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Nepali power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nepali power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be used in Nepal. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Nepal using a type C power adapter

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

A guide on how to use a clothes iron in Nepal with a Type D power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Nepal. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Nepal simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it into the Nepali power outlet. The wall outlet (known as the Type D power outlet [5]) looks like 3 holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nepali power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron for use in Nepal. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Nepal using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Nepal using a three pronged Type M power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet 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 travel iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Nepal, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Nepal you will need to use a Type M plug adapter [8]. The Type M plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Nepal 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type M plug adapter into the Nepali power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes known as a Type M power outlet [7], can be recognised by 3 large circular holes in a triangular configuration.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nepali power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Nepal using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nepali entry on Wikipedia.org
  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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.