Using your clothes iron in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Solomon Islands:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Solomon Islands however 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 220 volt Solomon Islands power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Solomon Islands, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Solomon Islands otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Solomon Islands read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Solomon Islands

Will my clothes iron work in Solomon Islands?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts as used in Solomon Islands:

Solomon Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Solomon Islands power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Solomon Islands power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Solomon Islands?

The common residential voltage in Solomon Islands is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Solomon Islands?

Type I and G power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Solomon Islands?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Solomon Islands, types G and I with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type G - The power outlet (also known as a type G power outlet) looks like three rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type I - The wall socket (technically called a type I power outlet) can be recognised by 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and earth.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Solomon Islands is a Type G plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Solomon Islands with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Solomon Islands then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Solomon Islands 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 220 volts used in a Solomon Islands power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Solomon Islands.
  • 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 Solomon Islands or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Solomon Islands with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Solomon Islands will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you intend to bring 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 most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Solomon Islands

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Solomon Islands?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Solomon Islands?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Solomon Islands, however a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Solomon Islands power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Solomon Islands to use a clothes iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Solomon Islands. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic clothes iron, however it might be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Solomon Islands using a type G power adapter

A guide showing how to use your clothes iron in Solomon Islands with a Type G power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Solomon Islands. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Solomon Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the Solomon Islands power outlet. The wall outlet (known as the Type G power outlet [3]) looks like three rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Solomon Islands power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the iron to use in Solomon Islands. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Solomon Islands using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Solomon Islands Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.