How do I use my clothes iron in Cambodia?

Cambodian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Cambodia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Cambodia 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 a 230 volt Cambodian 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 won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Cambodia, so check that the power converter includes the correct power adapter for Cambodia otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Cambodia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Cambodia

Will my clothes iron work in Cambodia?

It depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts which are used in Cambodia:

Cambodia power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Cambodia?

The frequency in a Cambodian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

What voltage is used in Cambodia?

The standard voltage used in Cambodia is 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Cambodia?

Type A, C and G power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Cambodia?

There are three types of power outlets used in Cambodia, these are type G, A and C with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed plug socket, also known as a type A power outlet, can be identified by the 2 adjacent slots where the live and neutral blades go.
  • Plug Type C - You can identify the wall outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type G - This plug outlet, also known as a type G power outlet, can be identified by the 3 vertical rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.

A Type G plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Cambodia; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Cambodia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also need to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages 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 Cambodia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Cambodian 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 a Cambodian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Cambodia.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Cambodia or any other country.

Travelling to Cambodia with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to Cambodia will allow clothes irons 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 electronic items.

If you intend to bring 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 greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Cambodia

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Cambodia, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Cambodian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

Do I need a power converter in Cambodia to use a clothes iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Cambodia. Travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use a clothes iron in Cambodia with a 2 pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 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. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Cambodia, please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Cambodia you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Cambodia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Cambodian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cambodian power outlet. You can now switch on the iron for use in Cambodia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Cambodia using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Cambodia by using a three pronged Type G travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Cambodia - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Cambodia. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Cambodia 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type G plug adapter into the Cambodian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the three vertical holes with shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cambodian power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be used in Cambodia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Cambodia using a type G power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Cambodia with a 2 bladed Type A power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Cambodia - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. Check that you are not already using a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your clothes iron will work with a 230 volt power outlet). You will need to use a Type A plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Cambodia. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Cambodia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug in the Type A plug adapter into the Cambodian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two thin slots next to each other where the twin blades go. Please note that power cables used with type A sockets which are rated at less that 240 V shouldn't be used so please check prior to turning the power on.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cambodian power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Cambodia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Cambodia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Cambodia
  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 G power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.