Which plug adapter do I need for using a clothes iron in Saint Pierre?

St Pierrais power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Saint Pierre:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Saint Pierre however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt St Pierrais power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Saint Pierre, so please check that your power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Saint Pierre otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Saint Pierre you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Saint Pierre please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Saint Pierre

Will my clothes iron work in Saint Pierre?

That depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in Saint Pierre:

Saint Pierre power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a St Pierrais power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current used in a St Pierrais power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in Saint Pierre?

Power outlets in Saint Pierre are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Saint Pierre?

Type E power outlets are used in Saint Pierre. You can identify this power outlet by two 4.8mm round holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into plus a single long metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular pattern. A Type E plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Saint Pierre, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Saint Pierre. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Saint Pierre?

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of your clothes iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Saint Pierre then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a St Pierrais 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 230 volts used in a St Pierrais power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Saint Pierre.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Saint Pierre or any other country.

Travelling to Saint Pierre with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is flying you to Saint Pierre 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 suggests wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons. If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Pierre

Do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron in Saint Pierre?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Pierre. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing clothes iron, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms a 230 volt St Pierrais power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Saint Pierre. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Saint Pierre using a type E power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Saint Pierre by using a 2 pinned Type E travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure 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 could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Saint Pierre isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron. This power adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Saint Pierre by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. This sunken round power supply, also known as the Type E power outlet [3], can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Pierrais power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Saint Pierre. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Pierre using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Pierre country Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.