Which plug adapter do I need for using a clothes iron in Qatar?

Qatari power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Qatar:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Qatar however 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 240 volt Qatari power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Qatar, so please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Qatar otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Qatar you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Qatar read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Qatar

Will my clothes iron work in Qatar?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 240 volt power outlets in Qatar:

Qatar power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Qatar?

The standard residential voltage used in Qatar is 240 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Qatari power outlet?

The frequency from a Qatari power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Qatar?

Type D and G power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Qatar?

There are two types of power outlets used in Qatar, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can recognise the power outlet by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify this wall outlet by 3 slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 240 volt clothes iron in Qatar is a Type G power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Qatar using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

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

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

Travelling to Qatar with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on to Qatar?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Qatar will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Qatar

Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in Qatar?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Qatar. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron, but it might be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Qatar, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 240 volt Qatari power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Qatar by using a Type D power charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage travel irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in Qatar; refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Qatar. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Qatar simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter in the Qatari power outlet. The plug outlet (called a Type D power outlet [3]) looks like three round holes forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Qatari power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Qatar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Qatar using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Qatar by using a 3 pinned Type G power charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Qatar you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6]. The Type G plug adapter is designed to fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Qatar by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Qatari power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron for use in Qatar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Qatar using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Qatar
  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. 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.