Using a clothes iron in Saint Vincent

St Vincentian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Saint Vincent:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Saint Vincent but 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 230 volt St Vincentian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Saint Vincent, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has a power adapter for Saint Vincent otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Saint Vincent you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Saint Vincent please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Saint Vincent

Will my clothes iron work in Saint Vincent?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Saint Vincent:

Saint Vincent power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a St Vincentian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a St Vincentian power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

What is the mains voltage in Saint Vincent?

Power outlets in Saint Vincent are 230 volts.

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

There are five different types of power outlets used in Saint Vincent, types G, C, E, I and K with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is identified by 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the wall socket by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the wall socket by three rectangular holes forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type I - You can identify this plug outlet by the 3 thin slots in a triangular configuration with the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type K - You can identify the wall socket by three holes forming an upside-down triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.

A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Saint Vincent - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

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

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Saint Vincent with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Saint Vincent?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline which is taking you to Saint Vincent will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you intend to bring 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 drops and knocks during transit.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Vincent

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 heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a St Vincentian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Saint Vincent. [11] [AD]

Can I use my clothes iron with a voltage converter for Saint Vincent?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Saint Vincent. Travellers who wish to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [11] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to use your clothes iron in Saint Vincent with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Saint Vincent you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Saint Vincent by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. This ungrounded power outlet (sometimes called the Europlug or Type C power outlet [3]) is identified 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 St Vincentian power outlet. The iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent using a 2 pronged Type E travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Vincent, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Saint Vincent. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Saint Vincent 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. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the St Vincentian power outlet. This recessed circular wall outlet (sometimes called the Type E power outlet [5] or CEE 7/7 plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go and a single long metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular configuration.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Vincentian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron to use in Saint Vincent. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent using a type E power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent using a 3 pronged Type G travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Saint Vincent; please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Saint Vincent isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Saint Vincent simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the St Vincentian power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by the 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the St Vincentian power outlet.
  6. The iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent using a type K power adapter

A page showing how to use your clothes iron in Saint Vincent with a Type K travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Saint Vincent you will need to use a Type K plug adapter [10]. This Type K plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saint Vincent by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type K plug adapter into the St Vincentian power outlet. The wall outlet (known as a Type K power outlet [9]) can be recognised by 3 large holes in an upside-down triangular configuration with the bottom hole being in a semicircular shape.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Vincentian power outlet. The clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Vincent using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Saint Vincent
  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 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 K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  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.