Using a clothes iron in Gibraltar

Gibraltar power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Gibraltar:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Gibraltar however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Gibraltar power outlet, however this is significantly 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 power outlet used in Gibraltar, therefore check that your power converter has the right power adapter for Gibraltar otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Gibraltar you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Gibraltar read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Gibraltar

Will my clothes iron work in Gibraltar?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 240 volts which are used in Gibraltar. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 240 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Gibraltar. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our section on will a voltage converter work with a domestic clothes iron in Gibraltar for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Gibraltar power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Gibraltar?

Power outlets in Gibraltar are 240 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Gibraltar power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Gibraltar?

Type C and G power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Gibraltar?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the plug socket by 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise the power outlet by three vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.

A Type G plug adapter allows you to use a 240 volt clothes iron in Gibraltar, read the simple guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Gibraltar. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might 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 supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to change between different voltages.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Gibraltar then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Gibraltar power outlet.
  • Single voltage might 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 Gibraltar power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Gibraltar.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Gibraltar or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Gibraltar with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on hand luggage to Gibraltar?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Gibraltar 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 suggests wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do 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 offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Gibraltar

Do I need a converter in Gibraltar to use my clothes iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Gibraltar. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 240 volt Gibraltar power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Gibraltar. [7] [AD]

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

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your clothes iron in Gibraltar using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting - please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Gibraltar you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Gibraltar simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Gibraltar power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Gibraltar power outlet. You can now switch on your iron for use in Gibraltar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Gibraltar using a type C power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your clothes iron in Gibraltar with a Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts for use in Gibraltar; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Gibraltar. The Type G plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Gibraltar by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type G plug adapter in the Gibraltar power outlet. The plug supply (technically known as a Type G power outlet [5]) can be identified by the three vertical slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Gibraltar power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Gibraltar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Gibraltar using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Gibraltar Wikipedia web page
  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.