Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Tuvalu?

Tuvaluan power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Tuvalu:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Tuvalu however 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 220 volt Tuvaluan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Tuvalu, so check that your power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Tuvalu otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Tuvalu you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Tuvalu please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Tuvalu

Will my clothes iron work in Tuvalu?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Tuvalu:

Tuvalu power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Tuvalu?

The frequency in a Tuvaluan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What mains voltage is used in Tuvalu?

Power outlets in Tuvalu are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Tuvalu?

The type of power outlet used in Tuvalu is type I. You can identify the power outlet by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular shape. A Type I plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt clothes iron in Tuvalu - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Tuvalu. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Tuvalu?
Plug adapters for Tuvalu

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Tuvalu then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Tuvaluan 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 220 volts used in a Tuvaluan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Tuvalu.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Tuvalu or any other country.

Travelling to Tuvalu with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Tuvalu will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Tuvalu

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Tuvaluan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Tuvalu. [5] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use a clothes iron in Tuvalu?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Tuvalu. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Tuvalu with a 3 pronged Type I power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type I plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Tuvalu isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron. The power adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Tuvalu simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type I plug adapter into the Tuvaluan power outlet. This plug supply (sometimes called the Type I power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 3 slots for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Tuvaluan power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron in Tuvalu. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Tuvalu using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Tuvalu
  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.