How to use your clothes iron in Djibouti

Djiboutian power outlet

Summary

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Djibouti however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Djiboutian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, 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 Djibouti, therefore please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Djibouti otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Djibouti check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Djibouti

Will my clothes iron work in Djibouti?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Djibouti:

Will my US clothes iron work in Djibouti?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Djibouti and provide advice on using your American clothes iron with a Djiboutian power outlet.

Djibouti power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Djiboutian power outlet?

The frequency from a Djiboutian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Djibouti?

The voltage in Djibouti is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Djibouti?

Type C and E power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Djibouti?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Djibouti, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug socket by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the plug socket by two 4.8mm circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins and one metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangular pattern.

A Type E plug adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt clothes iron in Djibouti - read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Djibouti with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Djibouti with a clothes iron

Can you pack a clothes iron in your carry on?

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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Djibouti will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Djibouti

Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in Djibouti?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Djibouti. Travellers who want to bring their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is considerably heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Djiboutian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Djibouti. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Djibouti with a two pin Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Djibouti, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Djibouti you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Djibouti simply 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Djiboutian power outlet. This power outlet can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Djiboutian power outlet. The iron should now be ready for use in Djibouti. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Djibouti using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Djibouti using a type E power adapter

A step-by-step guide showing how to use your clothes iron in Djibouti using a Type E power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Djibouti doesn't take the plug on your clothes iron. This Type E plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Djibouti by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First plug the Type E plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the two holes 19mm adjacent to each other plus a metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle shape.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Djiboutian power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Djibouti. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Djibouti using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Djibouti country entry on Wikipedia.org
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.