Using your clothes iron in Morocco

Moroccan power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Morocco:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Morocco but 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 Moroccan 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 shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Morocco, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Morocco otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Morocco you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Morocco please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Morocco

Will my clothes iron work in Morocco?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 220 volts as used in Morocco. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in Morocco. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on can you use a power converter with a domestic clothes iron in Morocco for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Morocco power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Morocco?

The normal residential voltage in Morocco is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in a Moroccan power outlet?

The frequency in a Moroccan power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

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

Type C and E power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is identified by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type E - This sunken circular wall socket (technically called the type E power outlet or CEE 7/7 plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go and a long metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular shape.

A Type E power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Morocco - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Morocco with a plug adapter. Please note 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 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 vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges 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 Morocco then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Moroccan 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 Moroccan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Morocco.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Morocco or any other country.

Travelling to Morocco with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your hand luggage?

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 check that your airline who is taking you to Morocco 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 suggests wrapping wires 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 advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Morocco

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Moroccan 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 fit into a power outlet found in Morocco. [7] [AD]

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Morocco. Travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Morocco using a two prong Type C power adapter.

  1. Please check 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 proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Morocco, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Morocco. The plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Morocco simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Moroccan power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Moroccan power outlet. You can now switch on your iron in Morocco. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Morocco using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Morocco with a Type E travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Morocco you will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. This Type E plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Morocco 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. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with one long metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Moroccan power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Morocco using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Morocco
  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.