Using your clothes iron in Yemen

Yemeni power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Yemen:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below 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 to use the correct power adapter for Yemen however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Yemeni 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 actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Yemen, therefore check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Yemen otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Yemen you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Yemen please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Yemen

Will my clothes iron work in Yemen?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Yemen. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the clothes iron in Yemen. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on can you use a power converter to use a domestic clothes iron in Yemen for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Yemen power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Yemen?

The normal residential voltage in Yemen is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a Yemeni power outlet?

The frequency of the current used in a Yemeni power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Yemen?

Type A, D and G power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Yemen?

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

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet (also known as the type A power outlet) is identified by 2 thin adjacent slots next to each other where the plug socket blades slide into.
  • Plug Type D - The wall outlet (technically called a type D power outlet) can be recognised by 3 round holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise the wall socket by three rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Yemen is a Type G plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Yemen. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Yemen then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Yemeni 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 Yemeni power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Yemen.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Yemen or any other country.

Travelling to Yemen with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your carry on?

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 recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to Yemen will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Yemen

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Yemen. Travellers who wish to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Yemeni power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Yemen. [9] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Yemen using a three prong Type D power adapter.

  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 continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Yemen - consult the instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type D plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Yemen. The Type D plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Yemen by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three holes forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Yemeni power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Yemen using a type D power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use your clothes iron in Yemen with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Yemen you will need to use a Type G plug adapter [6]. This Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Yemen 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 by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. The wall outlet (known as the Type G power outlet [5]) looks like 3 vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Yemeni power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Yemen. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Yemen using a type G power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Yemen using a three pronged Type A power charger.

  1. Please check 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 proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. Please check that you're not already using a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your clothes iron can work with a 230 volt power supply). You will need to buy 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 Yemen. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Yemen 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 A plug adapter into the Yemeni power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two thin slots parallel to each other. Please be aware that power cables with type A plugs which are rated at less that 240 volts shouldn't be used so we recommend checking prior to continuing.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Yemeni power outlet. You can now switch on your iron in Yemen. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Yemen using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Yemen 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 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.