Using your clothes iron in Benin

Beninese power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Benin:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Benin however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Beninese power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Benin, so check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Benin otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Benin check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Benin

Will my clothes iron work in Benin?

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

Benin power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Benin?

The common residential voltage in Benin is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in a Beninese power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Beninese power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

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

Type C and E power outlets

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

There are two different types of power outlets used in Benin, types E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is recognised by 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify this plug outlet by the two circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go with a single metal grounding pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Benin - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Benin with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the clothes iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Benin then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Beninese 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 220 volts used in a Beninese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Benin.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Benin or any other country.

Travelling to Benin with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Benin will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Benin

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Beninese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Benin. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter for Benin to use a clothes iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Benin. Travellers who wish to bring along 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 will be 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. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Benin with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet 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 220 volt setting to use in Benin, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Benin you will need to use 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 Benin by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly insert the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. The wall outlet is recognised by two adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Beninese power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the iron to use in Benin. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Benin using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Benin using a two pronged Type E power charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not 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 the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Benin. The Type E plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Benin simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the Beninese power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with one long metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Beninese power outlet. The iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Benin using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Beninese Wikipedia web page
  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. 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.