How to use your clothes iron in East Timor

East Timor power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in East Timor:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for East Timor however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with an 220 volt East Timor power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in East Timor, therefore please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for East Timor otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [8] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in East Timor check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in East Timor

Will my clothes iron work in East Timor?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in East Timor:

East Timor power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in an East Timor power outlet?

The frequency from an East Timor power outlet is 50Hz. [9]

What is the mains voltage in East Timor?

The voltage in East Timor is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in East Timor?

There are four different types of power outlets used in East Timor, types E, C, F and I with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - This round plug socket can be identified by the two large round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go with a single long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular plug socket (called the type F power outlet or Schuko socket) can be recognised by the two large round adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins go and a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type I - You can identify the plug socket by 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and ground blades.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in East Timor; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in East Timor. 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] [10] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in East Timor?

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in East Timor then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an East Timor 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 220 volts used in an East Timor power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in East Timor.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in East Timor or any other country.

Travelling to East Timor with a clothes iron

Can you pack a clothes iron in your carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to East Timor will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

If you 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 provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for East Timor

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt East Timor power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in East Timor. [8] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in East Timor?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in East Timor. Travellers who want to bring their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could 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. [8] [AD]

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

A step by step guide showing you how to power your clothes iron in East Timor with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in East Timor doesn't take the plug on your clothes iron. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in East Timor by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First plug the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the East Timor power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in East Timor. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in East Timor using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in East Timor using a type E power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in East Timor by using a two pin Type E travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in East Timor; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in East Timor isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron. The Type E plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in East Timor by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter in the East Timor power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two large circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral and a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the East Timor power outlet. The clothes iron should now be ready to be used in East Timor. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in East Timor using a type E power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in East Timor using a type F power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in East Timor by using a 2 prong Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might 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 220 volts, refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in East Timor. This Type F plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in East Timor by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First plug the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the East Timor power outlet. You can now switch on your iron for use in East Timor. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in East Timor using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - East Timor country page on Wikipedia
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  10. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.