How do I use a clothes iron in Botswana?

Botswana power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Botswana:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Botswana but 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 a 230 volt Botswana power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Botswana, so please check that your power converter comes with the right power adapter for Botswana otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Botswana read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Botswana

Will my clothes iron work in Botswana?

This depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Botswana. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your clothes iron in Botswana. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read the guide on will a voltage converter work with a clothes iron in Botswana for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Botswana power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Botswana power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Botswana power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Botswana?

The normal residential voltage used in Botswana is 230 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Botswana?

Type D, G and M power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Botswana?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Botswana, these are type G, D and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can identify this power outlet by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type G - This wall outlet (called a type G power outlet) looks like three vertical rectangular holes with plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  • Plug Type M - You can identify this power outlet by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Botswana is a Type G power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Botswana. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One way to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Botswana with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on to Botswana?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Botswana will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests 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 advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Botswana

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will convert a 230 volt Botswana power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Botswana. [9] [AD]

Do you need a converter in Botswana to use a clothes iron?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Botswana. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring along their existing clothes iron, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Botswana using a type D power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in Botswana with a Type D power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Botswana; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Botswana you will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. The Type D plug adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Botswana by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type D plug adapter in the Botswana power outlet. The power outlet, technically known as the Type D power outlet [3], can be recognised by the three round holes forming a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Botswana power outlet. The iron can now be used in Botswana. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Botswana using a type D power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Botswana by using a 3 pinned Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could 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 you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Botswana won't take the plug of your clothes iron. This power adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Botswana simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 rectangular holes containing plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Botswana power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Botswana. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Botswana using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Botswana using a type M power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in Botswana with a three prong Type M travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Botswana; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Botswana. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Botswana by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type M plug adapter in the Botswana power outlet. You can identify this power supply by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Botswana power outlet. You can now turn on the iron for use in Botswana. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Botswana using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Botswana Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.