Which plug adapter will I need when using a clothes iron in Chad?

Chadian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Chad:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Chad but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Chadian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Chad, so check that your power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Chad otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [10] [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 Chad check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Chad

Will my clothes iron work in Chad?

This depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Chad. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use your clothes iron in Chad. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our guide on will a power converter work with your clothes iron in Chad for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [10] [AD]

Chad power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Chadian power outlet?

The frequency found in a Chadian power outlet is 50Hz. [11]

What mains voltage is used in Chad?

Power outlets in Chad are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Chad?

There are four types of power outlets used in Chad, types D, C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by the two round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise the wall socket by the three circular holes in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type E - This recessed round power socket (technically known as a CEE 7/7 plug) can be identified by the two round holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins sit plus a metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round power socket (also known as a Schuko plug) can be identified by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins sit and a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type D plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt clothes iron in Chad - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Chad. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [12] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Chad?

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Chad with a clothes iron

Can I bring a clothes iron in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to Chad will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you 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 provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Chad

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Chad. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own domestic clothes iron, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [10] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 220 volt Chadian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, however 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 Chad. [10] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Chad with a two prong Type C power charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Chad; please refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Chad. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet in Chad 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. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Chadian power outlet.
  6. Your iron is now ready for use in Chad. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Chad using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Chad by using a three pronged Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that the 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 damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Chad - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Chad isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. The Type D plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Chad simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the Chadian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the three circular holes in a triangular shape.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Chad using a type D power adapter

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

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

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - 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. Some travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Chad you will need to use a Type E plug adapter [8]. This Type E plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Chad 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. First you'll need to insert the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. This recessed round wall outlet (known as a Type E power outlet [7]) can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the two plug outlet pins sit with a single metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular shape.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Chadian power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Chad using a type E power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Chad using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Chad with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type F plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Chad. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Chad by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The sunken round plug supply can be recognised by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral along with a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Chadian power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Chad. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Chad using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Chad 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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  12. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.