How do I use my clothes iron in Argentina?

Argentinean power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Argentina:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Argentina 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 an 220 volt Argentinean power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Argentina, so check that the power converter includes the correct power adapter for Argentina otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Argentina please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Argentina

Will my clothes iron work in Argentina?

It depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in Argentina:

Argentina power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Argentina?

The standard voltage used in Argentina is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in Argentina?

The frequency in an Argentinean power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Argentina?

Type C and I power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Argentina?

There are two types of power outlets used in Argentina, these are type I and C with the primary power outlets being type I:

  • Plug Type C - This plug outlet (technically known as a Europlug) is identified by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type I - You can recognise the wall socket by the three thin slots for the live, neutral and earth blades.

A Type I plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Argentina; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Argentina. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check 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 irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages 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 Argentina then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Argentinean 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 an Argentinean power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Argentina.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Argentina or any other country.

Travelling to Argentina with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to Argentina 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 advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Argentina

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Argentina, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 220 volt Argentinean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Argentina. Travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Argentina using a type C power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Argentina using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 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 will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Argentina - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Argentina. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Argentina by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the Argentinean power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two round adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Argentinean power outlet.
  6. Your iron is now ready for use in Argentina. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Argentina using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Argentina by using a three pronged Type I travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Argentina, please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Argentina you'll need to bring a Type I plug adapter [6]. This Type I plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Argentina simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type I plug adapter into the Argentinean power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and ground blades. Please note that the live and neutral blades are reversed compared to Chinese and Australian plug outlets, please check that your Type I travel adaptor is compatible with an Argentinean power outlet.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Argentinean power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be used in Argentina. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Argentina using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org web page about Argentina
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.