How to use a clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Cote d Ivoire:

If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

Use a dual voltage travel iron ^[2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Cote d Ivoire 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 an 230 volt Ivorian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Cote d Ivoire, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Cote d Ivoire otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]

Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Cote d Ivoire you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire

Will my clothes iron work in Cote d Ivoire?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Cote d Ivoire. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire. 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 the guide on do you need a power converter to use a clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Cote d Ivoire power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Cote d Ivoire?

The standard residential voltage in Cote d Ivoire is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Cote d Ivoire?

The frequency from an Ivorian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire?

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

Plug Type C - This plug socket (called the Europlug) can be recognised by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
Plug Type E - You can recognise the wall socket by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm apart from each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins sit and one long metal earth pin protruding from the top forming a triangular shape.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire is a Type E plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter. [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Cote d Ivoire

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

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

Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Cote d Ivoire then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Ivorian power outlet.
Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in an Ivorian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Cote d Ivoire.
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 Cote d Ivoire or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Cote d Ivoire with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Cote d Ivoire in my 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 suggests that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Cote d Ivoire 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 clothes irons. If you do intend to bring 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 most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey. [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Cote d Ivoire

Do I need a converter to use my clothes iron in Cote d Ivoire?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Cote d Ivoire. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to bring along their own clothes iron, but it could be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron ^[2]. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for Cote d Ivoire?

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Ivorian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Cote d Ivoire. [7] [AD]