Using a clothes iron in Kuwait

Kuwaiti power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Kuwait:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Kuwait 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 240 volt Kuwaiti power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Kuwait, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Kuwait otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts used in Kuwait you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Kuwait please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Kuwait

Will my clothes iron work in Kuwait?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 240 volts used in Kuwait:

Kuwait power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Kuwait?

The common voltage used in Kuwait is 240 volts.

What frequency is used in Kuwait?

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

Which travel adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Kuwait?

Type C and G power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Kuwait?

There are two types of power outlets used in Kuwait, these are type G and C with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power socket (technically known as a Europlug) is recognised by 2 holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type G - The power outlet, technically known as a type G power outlet, looks like 3 rectangular holes with shutters forming a triangle configuration.

A Type G power adapter allows you to use a 240 volt clothes iron in Kuwait - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Kuwait. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle 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 240 volts used in Kuwait then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Kuwaiti 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 240 volts used in a Kuwaiti power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Kuwait.
  • 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 Kuwait or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Kuwait with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on 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 also suggests that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Kuwait 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 clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack 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 Kuwait

Do you need a voltage converter for Kuwait to use your clothes iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Kuwait. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their own clothes iron, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Kuwait, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 240 volts from a Kuwaiti power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to power your clothes iron in Kuwait using a 2 pin Type C power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Kuwait doesn't take the plug shape on your clothes iron. This Type C plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Kuwait by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter into the Kuwaiti power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kuwaiti power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Kuwait. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kuwait using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Kuwait with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't 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 you have set it to the 240 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Kuwait you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Kuwait simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kuwaiti power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Kuwait. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kuwait using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia page about Kuwait
  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. 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.