Using a clothes iron in Namibia

Namibian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Namibia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Namibia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Namibian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Namibia, so please check that the voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for Namibia otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Namibia read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Namibia

Will my clothes iron work in Namibia?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Namibia. 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 plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Namibia. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on will a voltage converter work with a clothes iron in Namibia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Namibia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Namibian power outlet?

The frequency from a Namibian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What voltage is used in Namibia?

Power outlets in Namibia are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Namibia?

Type D and M power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Namibia?

There are two types of power outlets used in Namibia, these are type D and M with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type D - You can identify this plug socket by the 3 holes in a triangular pattern.
  • Plug Type M - This power socket (called a type M power outlet) can be recognised by the three holes in a triangular pattern.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using a 220 volt clothes iron in Namibia is a Type D power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Namibia with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

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

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

Travelling to Namibia with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Namibia 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 wires tightly around electronic items.

If you 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 provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Namibia

Do I need a voltage converter to use my clothes iron in Namibia?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Namibia. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing clothes iron, but it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Namibia, however a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 220 volt Namibian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Namibia by using a 3 prong Type D travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet - but if not then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Namibia. This Type D plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Namibia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type D plug adapter into the Namibian power outlet. This wall supply (sometimes called a Type D power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the three circular holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Namibian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Namibia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Namibia using a type D power adapter

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

How to use your clothes iron in Namibia by using a Type M travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Namibia, please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Namibia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [6]. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Namibia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type M plug adapter in the Namibian power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by three large circular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Namibian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the iron for use in Namibia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Namibia using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org page about Namibia
  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 M power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.