How do I use a clothes iron in Antigua?

Antiguan power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Antigua:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the correct 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 Antigua however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Antiguan power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Antigua, therefore check that the power converter has the correct power adapter for Antigua otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own personal clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Antigua you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Antigua please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Antigua

Will my clothes iron work in Antigua?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets in Antigua. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Antigua. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our section on can you use a voltage converter to use your domestic clothes iron in Antigua for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Antigua power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Antigua?

The frequency of the current found in an Antiguan power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Antigua?

The normal voltage in Antigua is 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Antigua?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Antigua?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Antigua, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed power socket, technically called a type A power outlet, can be identified by the 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify this plug socket by two thin slots next to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the grounded pin.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Antigua is a Type B plug adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a plug adapter for Antigua. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Antigua

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of the clothes iron. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Antigua then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Antiguan power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in an Antiguan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Antigua.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Antigua or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Antigua with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron to Antigua?

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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Antigua 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 electric items such as clothes irons.

If you do 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 provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Antigua

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Antigua?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Antigua?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Antigua, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter converts a 230 volt Antiguan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Antigua. Travellers who want to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Antigua by using a Type B power adapter.

  1. Ensure 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 attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Antigua doesn't accomodate the plug of your clothes iron. The plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Antigua by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type B plug adapter in the Antiguan power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 thin slots with a single hole below for the longer ground pin.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Antiguan power outlet. Your clothes iron is now ready to be used in Antigua. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Antigua using a type B power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Antigua with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. 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 because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. Please check that you are not already using 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 will work with a 230 volt power supply). So, if the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Antigua you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. This Type A plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Antigua simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two thin slots parallel to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Antiguan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron in Antigua. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Antigua using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Antiguan Wikipedia web page
  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 A power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.