Which travel adapter do I need to bring to use a clothes iron in Swaziland?

Swazi power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Swaziland:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Swaziland but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Swazi power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Swaziland, so check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Swaziland otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Swaziland you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Swaziland check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Swaziland

Will my clothes iron work in Swaziland?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts which are used in Swaziland:

Can I use my US clothes iron in Swaziland?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader visiting Swaziland and provide guidance for using your American clothes iron with a Swazi power outlet.

Swaziland power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Swaziland?

The standard voltage in Swaziland is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Swazi power outlet?

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

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Swaziland?

Type M power outlets are used in Swaziland. This plug outlet (also known as a type M power outlet) can be recognised by 3 large holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth. A Type M power adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Swaziland; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Swaziland with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Swaziland?

Dual voltage travel irons

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

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Swaziland then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Swazi 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 Swazi power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Swaziland.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Swaziland or any other country.

Travelling to Swaziland with a clothes iron

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

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Swaziland will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Swaziland

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Swaziland, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Swazi power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter for Swaziland to use a clothes iron?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Swaziland. Travellers who wish to bring along their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Swaziland using a type M power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Swaziland using a three prong Type M power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Swaziland you'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Swaziland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type M plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the three large holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Swazi power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Swaziland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Swaziland using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Swaziland
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  4. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  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.