How to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts

St Kitts power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Saint Kitts:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Saint Kitts but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of 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 St Kitts power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Saint Kitts, so check that the power converter has a power adapter for Saint Kitts otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Saint Kitts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Saint Kitts please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Saint Kitts

Will my clothes iron work in Saint Kitts?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Saint Kitts. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Saint Kitts. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on can you use a voltage converter with your domestic clothes iron in Saint Kitts for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Saint Kitts power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Saint Kitts?

Power outlets in Saint Kitts are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with a St Kitts power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a St Kitts power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Saint Kitts?

There are four types of power outlets used in Saint Kitts, types G, A, B and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this power socket by two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - This power socket (also known as a type B power outlet) can be recognised by the two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular hole below for the long earth pin.
  • Plug Type D - This plug socket (technically called a type D power outlet) looks like 3 holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket (also known as a type G power outlet) can be identified by the three holes containing shutters forming a triangle configuration.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Saint Kitts is a Type G plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts using a travel adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Saint Kitts?

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Saint Kitts with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage to Saint Kitts?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Saint Kitts will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons.

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 most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Kitts

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 230 volt St Kitts power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Saint Kitts. [11] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Saint Kitts to use your clothes iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Kitts. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [11] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts using a type B power adapter

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Saint Kitts by using a Type B power adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because 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 make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Saint Kitts you'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Saint Kitts 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 supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two thin slots with a single hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Kitts power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Saint Kitts. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts using a type B power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Saint Kitts by using a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Saint Kitts, please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Saint Kitts. This plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Saint Kitts by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type D plug adapter into the St Kitts power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as a Type D power outlet [5]) looks like 3 holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Kitts power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Saint Kitts. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Saint Kitts by using a Type G power adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed because 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 make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Saint Kitts you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [8]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Saint Kitts 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 supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by three vertical slots forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Kitts power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Saint Kitts. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts using a type A power adapter

Instructions showing you how to use your clothes iron in Saint Kitts by using a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could 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 you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your clothes iron can work with a 230 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [10] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Saint Kitts. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Saint Kitts simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type A plug adapter into the St Kitts power outlet. The wall outlet (technically known as a Type A power outlet [9]) is recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the short two plug outlet blades go.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Kitts power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Saint Kitts. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Kitts using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Kitts country page on wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  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 G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  10. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.