How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Bangladesh:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page 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 a suitable power adapter for Bangladesh however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Bangladeshi power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Bangladesh, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Bangladesh otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Bangladesh please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Bangladesh

Will my clothes iron work in Bangladesh?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Bangladesh. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Bangladesh. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with a clothes iron in Bangladesh for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Bangladesh power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Bangladesh?

The standard residential voltage in Bangladesh is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Bangladesh?

The frequency of the current in a Bangladeshi power outlet is 50Hz. [12]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh?

There are four types of power outlets used in Bangladesh, these are type G, C, D and K with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power socket (called the Europlug) can be recognised by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this wall socket by the three round holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type G - This wall socket (also known as a type G power outlet) looks like 3 rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type K - This wall socket (also known as a type K power outlet) looks like 3 holes forming an upside-down triangle pattern with the bottom hole being in a semicircle shape.

A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Bangladesh, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Bangladesh. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh?

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 handle, base or plug of the clothes iron. This location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Bangladesh with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Bangladesh in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Bangladesh will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons.

If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Bangladesh

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

Voltage converter

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

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 found in Bangladesh, however a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 220 volt Bangladeshi power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [11] [AD]

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Bangladesh. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [11] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Bangladesh with a 2 pin Type C power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Bangladesh won't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Bangladesh simply 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. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bangladeshi power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Bangladesh. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh with a three prong Type D travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Bangladesh - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Bangladesh you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. The Type D plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Bangladesh by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (known as the Type D power outlet [5]) looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bangladeshi power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron should now be ready to be used in Bangladesh. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh using a type D power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh with a 3 prong Type G power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Bangladesh; please consult the user guide for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Bangladesh. The plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Bangladesh 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 supply.
  3. Insert the Type G plug adapter into the Bangladeshi power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by three holes containing shutters forming a triangle shape.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bangladeshi power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh using a type K power adapter

How to power your clothes iron in Bangladesh using a Type K travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type K plug adapter [10] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Bangladesh. This plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Bangladesh simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type K plug adapter and inserting it in the Bangladeshi power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the three large holes in an upside-down triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bangladeshi power outlet. Your clothes iron is now ready to be used in Bangladesh. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bangladesh using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bangladeshi Wikipedia web page
  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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.