How to use a clothes iron in Mauritania

Mauritanian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Mauritania:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring an appropriate 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 may still need an appropriate power adapter for Mauritania but 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 Mauritanian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Mauritania, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Mauritania otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Mauritania you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Mauritania check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Mauritania

Will my clothes iron work in Mauritania?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Mauritania:

Will my US clothes iron work in Mauritania?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US travelling to Mauritania and provide guidance for using your US clothes iron with a Mauritanian power outlet.

Mauritania power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Mauritania?

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

What voltage is used in Mauritania?

The standard residential voltage in Mauritania is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Mauritania?

The type of power outlet used in Mauritania is type C. You can identify this plug socket by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins. A Type C power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Mauritania - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Mauritania using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Mauritania?

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 will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Mauritania then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Mauritanian power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Mauritanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Mauritania.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Mauritania or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Mauritania with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Mauritania in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on 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 which is flying you to Mauritania will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do 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 most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Mauritania

Do I need a converter to use my clothes iron in Mauritania?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Mauritania. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their own clothes iron, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Mauritania, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 220 volt Mauritanian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Mauritania with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Mauritania you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Mauritania 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. Firstly plug the Type C plug adapter in the Mauritanian power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mauritanian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Mauritania. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mauritania using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Mauritania Wikipedia web page
  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. 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.