How do I use my clothes iron in Burundi?

Burundian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Burundi:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Burundi 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 Burundian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Burundi, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the right power adapter for Burundi otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Burundi you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Burundi check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Burundi

Will my clothes iron work in Burundi?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 220 volts used in Burundi. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the clothes iron in Burundi. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the section on can you use a power converter with a domestic clothes iron in Burundi for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Burundi power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used with a Burundian power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Burundian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Burundi?

The standard voltage used in Burundi is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Burundi?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Burundi?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the wall socket by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed round power socket can be recognised by two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins plus one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangular configuration.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Burundi is a Type E plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Burundi. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need 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 can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of your clothes iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Burundi with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron to Burundi?

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 check that the airline that is taking you to Burundi will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons.

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 offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Burundi

Can you use a clothes iron with a converter for Burundi?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Burundi. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own clothes iron, however it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

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

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

How to power your clothes iron in Burundi with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Burundi - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Burundi. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Burundi by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to plug the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by 2 round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Burundian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron to use in Burundi. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Burundi using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Burundi with a Type E travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Burundi, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Burundi you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Burundi simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the Burundian power outlet. This recessed round plug supply can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with a long metal grounding pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Burundian power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Burundi. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Burundi using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Burundi Wikipedia 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.