Which plug adapter will I need when using a clothes iron in Bermuda?

Bermuda power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Bermuda:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Bermuda 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 120 volt Bermuda 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 actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Bermuda, so check that your power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Bermuda otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 120 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Bermuda check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Bermuda

Will my clothes iron work in Bermuda?

This depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 120 volt power outlets used in Bermuda. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 120 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use your clothes iron in Bermuda. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our guide on will a power converter work with your clothes iron in Bermuda for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Bermuda power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Bermuda?

Power outlets in Bermuda are 120 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Bermuda power outlet?

The frequency from a Bermuda power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

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

Type A and B power outlets

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

There are two types of power outlets used in Bermuda, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed plug socket, also known as a type A power outlet, can be identified by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket blades slide into.
  • Plug Type B - This wall socket (technically called a type B power outlet) is identified by two slots adjacent to each other with a hole below for the earthed pin.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using a 120 volt clothes iron in Bermuda is a Type B plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Bermuda using a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also need to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to look 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, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons 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 120 volts used in Bermuda then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Bermuda 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 120 volts used in a Bermuda power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Bermuda.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Bermuda or any other country.

Travelling to Bermuda with a clothes iron

Can I bring a clothes iron in my 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 verify that your airline who is flying you to Bermuda 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 transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Bermuda

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 120 volt power outlet used in Bermuda. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own domestic clothes iron, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 120 volt Bermuda power outlet to work with a non-120 volt clothes iron, however 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 Bermuda. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Bermuda using a type B power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Bermuda using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 120 volts - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Bermuda you will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Bermuda simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type B plug adapter into the Bermuda power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by two slots next to each other with a single hole below for the grounded pin.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bermuda power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Bermuda. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bermuda using a type B power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Bermuda using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts, consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. Please check that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your clothes iron can work with a 120 volt power supply). So, if the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Bermuda you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [6]. This Type A plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Bermuda 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 120 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (sometimes known as a Type A power outlet [5]) is identified by the two slots adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bermuda power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Bermuda. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bermuda using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bermuda country wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.