How do I use my clothes iron in The Maldives?

Maldivian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in The Maldives:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for The Maldives 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 230 volt Maldivian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier 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 The Maldives, so check that your power converter includes the right power adapter for The Maldives otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in The Maldives please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in The Maldives

Will my clothes iron work in The Maldives?

It depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts which are used in The Maldives. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in The Maldives. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on can you use a power converter with a domestic clothes iron in The Maldives for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [13] [AD]

The Maldives power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in The Maldives?

The frequency used in a Maldivian power outlet is 50 Hz. [14]

What is the mains voltage in The Maldives?

The standard voltage used in The Maldives is 230 volts.

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

There are five types of power outlets used in Maldives, these are type G, D, J, K and L with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this wall socket by three holes in a triangular configuration.
  • 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.
  • Plug Type J - You can identify this flattened hexagon shaped wall socket by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type K - This power socket, also called a type K power outlet, can be recognised by three holes forming an upside-down triangle pattern with the bottom hole being in a semicircular shape.
  • Plug Type L - The hexagon shaped power outlet (known as a type L power outlet) looks like 3 round holes in a line. Note that there are two variations of Type L plug outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp power socket has 4mm thick round pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick round pins which are spaced 8mm apart.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in The Maldives - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for The Maldives. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [15] [AD]

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

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 and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate 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 The Maldives then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Maldivian 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 Maldivian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in The Maldives.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in The Maldives or any other country.

Travelling to The Maldives 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 luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to The Maldives 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 recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for The Maldives

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in The Maldives, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Maldivian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [13] [AD]

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

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in The Maldives. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [13] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives with a Type D 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 The Maldives, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in The Maldives doesn't take the plug shape of your clothes iron. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in The Maldives 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. First you'll need to insert the Type D plug adapter into the Maldivian power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by three circular holes in a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Maldivian power outlet. You can now switch on the iron for use in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in The Maldives using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; consult the user guide for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in The Maldives you will need to use a Type G plug adapter [6]. The Type G plug adapter helps convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in The Maldives simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the Maldivian power outlet. The wall outlet, technically called the Type G power outlet [5], can be identified by the 3 vertical rectangular slots forming a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maldivian power outlet.
  6. Your iron is now ready to be used in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives using a type J power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in The Maldives with a 3 pinned Type J power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in The Maldives you'll need to buy a Type J plug adapter [8]. This Type J plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in The Maldives 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 J plug adapter into the Maldivian power outlet. You can identify this flattened hexagon shaped power outlet by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type J plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Maldivian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives using a type J power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use a clothes iron in The Maldives with a 2 pinned Type K power adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type K plug adapter [10] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in The Maldives isn't the same shape as the plug of your clothes iron. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in The Maldives simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type K plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The power supply, technically called a Type K power outlet [9], can be identified by 3 holes forming an inverted triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Maldivian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives using a type K power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives using a type L power adapter

A guide on how to use your clothes iron in The Maldives with a three prong Type L power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in The Maldives - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type L plug adapter [12] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in The Maldives. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in The Maldives 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 L plug adapter in the power outlet. This flattened hexagon shaped wall outlet (called the Type L power outlet [11]) looks like 3 large round holes forming a line for live, neutral and earth. Note there are two types of Type L power supply, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp plug outlet has 4mm thick round pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has larger 5mm thick pins which are spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Maldivian power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in The Maldives. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Maldives using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Maldives country wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. 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..
  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 J power outlet
  8. Type J plug adapter - This 3-pin Type J travel adapter adheres to the Swiss SN 441011 standard, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Switzerland and Liechtenstein..
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  12. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.