How to use a clothes iron in Algeria

Algerian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Algeria:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Algeria but 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 an 230 volt Algerian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Algeria, therefore check that your power converter has the correct power adapter for Algeria otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Algeria please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Algeria

Will my clothes iron work in Algeria?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Algeria:

Algeria power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in an Algerian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from an Algerian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Algeria?

The voltage used in Algeria is 230 volts.

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

There are two types of power outlets used in Algeria, types F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins and two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Algeria, read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Algeria. 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.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

One way to tell if your clothes iron can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to change 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 230 volts used in Algeria then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Algerian 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 230 volts used in an Algerian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Algeria.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Algeria or any other country.

Travelling to Algeria with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Algeria?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Algeria will allow a clothes iron 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 clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Algeria

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Algeria, but a more expensive and heavier power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Algerian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a power converter for Algeria to use your clothes iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Algeria. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own clothes iron, however it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Algeria with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Algeria you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Algeria by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Algerian power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Algerian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Algeria. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Algeria using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your clothes iron in Algeria by using a 2 pin Type F travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Algeria isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Algeria by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Algerian power outlet. The iron can now be used in Algeria. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Algeria using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Algeria
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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.