Which travel adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Niger?

Nigerien power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Niger:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable 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 may still need to use the correct power adapter for Niger 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 Nigerien power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Niger, therefore please check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Niger otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [14] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Niger check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Niger

Will my clothes iron work in Niger?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Niger. 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 it in Niger. 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 guide on will a voltage converter work with your clothes iron in Niger for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [14] [AD]

Niger power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Niger?

The frequency from a Nigerien power outlet is 50Hz. [15]

What is the mains voltage in Niger?

The typical residential voltage in Niger is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Niger?

There are six different types of power outlets used in Niger, these are type D, A, B, C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type A - The power socket (known as the type A power outlet) is identified by the 2 thin adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two slots adjacent to each other with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power socket is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this plug outlet by the three holes forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type E - The circular wall socket (technically called the type E power outlet) can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a single metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken circular power socket, technically called the type F power outlet, can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes where the twin plug socket pins slide into along with a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type D plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt clothes iron in Niger - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Niger using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [8] [16] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Niger?

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

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

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Niger then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Nigerien 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 220 volts used in a Nigerien power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Niger.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Niger or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Niger with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Niger?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on 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 flying you to Niger 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 cables tightly around 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 most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [17] [18] [AD]

Power converters for Niger

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Niger, however an expensive and bulkier power converter will convert a 220 volt Nigerien power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [14] [AD]

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Niger. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing domestic clothes iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [14] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type B power adapter

How to power your clothes iron in Niger with a Type B travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Niger - consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Niger won't accomodate the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Niger by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots adjacent to each other with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin. Note power cables used with type B sockets which are rated at only 125 V shouldn't be used so we recommend checking first.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nigerien power outlet. Your clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type B power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Niger using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Niger. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Niger by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the Nigerien power outlet. The wall outlet is identified by the two round holes adjacent to each other.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nigerien power outlet. Your clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Niger using a Type D travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, please consult the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Niger isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Niger 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 supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. The power outlet (technically called the Type D power outlet [7]) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nigerien power outlet. You can now turn on the iron for use in Niger. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Niger with a 2 pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Niger - consult the owners manual 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 Niger you will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [10]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Niger 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. Begin the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. The circular wall outlet (sometimes called the CEE 7/7 outlet or Type E power outlet [9]) can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a single metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Nigerien power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type E power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Niger with a 2 pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [10] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Niger. The Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Niger by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the Nigerien power outlet. This recessed round plug supply, sometimes called the Schuko outlet, can be identified by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin pins slide into and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nigerien power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron for use in Niger. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type A power adapter

Instructions on how to use a clothes iron in Niger with a 2 pronged Type A power adapter.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Niger, consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. Please check that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your clothes iron will work with a 220 volt power outlet). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [13] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Niger. The Type A plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Niger by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the Nigerien power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots where the twin blades slide into. Note power cords with type A sockets which are rated at less that 240 volts should not be used in Niger so please check prior to turning the power on.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nigerien power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron for use in Niger. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Niger using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Niger
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  12. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  13. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  14. 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..
  15. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  16. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  17. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  18. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.