How do I use a clothes iron in Samoa?

Samoan power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Samoa:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Samoa but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Samoan power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Samoa, so please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Samoa otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Samoa you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Samoa please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Samoa

Will my clothes iron work in Samoa?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Samoa:

Samoa power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Samoan power outlet?

The frequency of the current used in a Samoan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Samoa?

Power outlets in Samoa are 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Samoa?

The type of power outlet used in Samoa is type I. The wall outlet, technically known as a type I power outlet, can be recognised by three slots in a triangular configuration with a single vertical pin at the base and the top pair of slots sloping upward for the live, neutral and earth. A Type I plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Samoa - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Samoa. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Samoa?

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how 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 the plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to change 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 230 volts used in Samoa then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Samoan 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 Samoan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Samoa.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Samoa or any other country.

Travelling to Samoa with a clothes iron

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

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Samoa will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables 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 recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Samoa

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Samoa?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Samoa?

An expensive and heavy power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Samoan power outlet to work with a non-230 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 Samoa. [5] [AD]

Do you need a power converter to use a clothes iron in Samoa?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Samoa. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to bring their existing clothes iron, but it could be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing. [5] [AD]

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

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

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Samoa; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Samoa you will need to use a Type I plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Samoa 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type I plug adapter into the Samoan power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Samoan power outlet. You can now turn on your iron to use in Samoa. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Samoa using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Samoa
  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.