Using a clothes iron in Anguilla

Anguillan power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Anguilla:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Anguilla but 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 an 110 volt Anguillan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Anguilla, so please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Anguilla otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 110 volts used in Anguilla you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Anguilla please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Anguilla

Will my clothes iron work in Anguilla?

That depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 110 volts which are used in Anguilla:

Anguilla power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with an Anguillan power outlet?

The frequency from an Anguillan power outlet is 60 Hz. [6]

What voltage is used in Anguilla?

Power outlets in Anguilla are 110 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Anguilla?

Type A power outlet

Which plug adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Anguilla?

Type A power outlets are used in Anguilla. This power socket (called the type A power outlet) is recognised by the two thin adjacent slots where the plug socket pins go. A recommended travel adapter to bring when using a 110 volt clothes iron in Anguilla is a Type A plug adapter - read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Anguilla. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Plug adapters for Anguilla

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Anguilla with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your hand luggage to Anguilla?

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 US. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Anguilla 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 clothes irons.

If you do intend to bring 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 greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Anguilla

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Anguilla, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 110 volt Anguillan power outlet to work with a non-110 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my clothes iron in Anguilla?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 110 volt power outlet used in Anguilla. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own clothes iron, but it might be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Anguilla with a three blade Type A power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. Please check 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 still check that your clothes iron can work with a 110 volt power outlet). So, if the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Anguilla you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Anguilla by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. This wall supply (sometimes called a Type A power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Anguillan power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Anguilla. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Anguilla using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Anguilla
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.