Using a clothes iron in The Cook Islands

Cook Islands power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in The Cook Islands:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for The Cook Islands 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 Cook Islands 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 not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in The Cook Islands, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for The Cook Islands otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 240 volts used in The Cook Islands you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in The Cook Islands read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in The Cook Islands

Will my clothes iron work in The Cook Islands?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 240 volts used in The Cook Islands. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 240 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use your clothes iron in The Cook Islands. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in The Cook Islands for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

The Cook Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in The Cook Islands?

The typical voltage used in The Cook Islands is 240 volts.

What frequency is used in The Cook Islands?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Cook Islands power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in The Cook Islands?

Type I power outlet

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in The Cook Islands?

The type of power outlet used in The Cook Islands is type I. You can recognise this wall socket by the 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and earth blades. A Type I power adapter allows you to use a 240 volt clothes iron in The Cook Islands - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in The Cook Islands. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

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

Travelling to The Cook Islands with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to The Cook Islands 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 cables tightly around electronic items.

If you 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for The Cook Islands

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for The Cook Islands?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for The Cook Islands?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in The Cook Islands, but a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform a 240 volt Cook Islands power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use a clothes iron in The Cook Islands?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in The Cook Islands. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, however it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in The Cook Islands using a type I power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in The Cook Islands with a 3 prong Type I power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in The Cook Islands; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type I plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in The Cook Islands isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. The power adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in The Cook Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type I plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by three thin slots for the live, neutral and earth blades.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cook Islands power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in The Cook Islands. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Cook Islands using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia page about The Cook Islands
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.