Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Nauru?

Nauruan power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Nauru:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Nauru but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Nauruan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Nauru, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Nauru otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Nauru read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Nauru

Will my clothes iron work in Nauru?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 240 volt power outlets in Nauru:

Nauru power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Nauruan power outlet?

The frequency from a Nauruan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Nauru?

The normal voltage in Nauru is 240 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Nauru?

The type of power outlet used in Nauru is type I. This wall socket, technically known as a type I power outlet, can be recognised by three slots for the live, neutral and earth blades. A Type I power adapter allows you to use a 240 volt clothes iron in Nauru; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Nauru. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Nauru?

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of your clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Nauru with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your hand luggage to Nauru?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Nauru 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 cords tightly around electronic items.

If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Nauru

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from a Nauruan power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Nauru. [5] [AD]

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 240 volt power outlet used in Nauru. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic clothes iron, but it could be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Nauru using a type I power adapter

A guide on how to power your clothes iron in Nauru with a 3 prong Type I travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting, consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Nauru you will need to bring a Type I plug adapter [4]. This Type I plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Nauru 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. First you'll need to insert the Type I plug adapter into the Nauruan power outlet. The power supply, technically known as the Type I power outlet [3], can be identified by 3 slots forming a triangle configuration with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top two slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Nauruan power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Nauru using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Nauru country Wiki page
  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.