Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Tanzania?

Tanzanian power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in Tanzania:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Tanzania 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 a 230 volt Tanzanian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Tanzania, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Tanzania otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Tanzania you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Tanzania read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Tanzania

Will my clothes iron work in Tanzania?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Tanzania. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use it in Tanzania. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic clothes iron in Tanzania for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my American clothes iron in Tanzania?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from the US visiting Tanzania and provide advice on using your US clothes iron with a Tanzanian power outlet.

Tanzania power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Tanzania?

The frequency of the current in a Tanzanian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Tanzania?

Power outlets in Tanzania are 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Tanzania?

Type D and G power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Tanzania?

There are two types of power outlets used in Tanzania, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this power socket by three circular holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type G - This wall socket (also known as a type G power outlet) looks like 3 rectangular slots with shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Tanzania; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Tanzania using a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Tanzania then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Tanzanian power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Tanzanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Tanzania.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Tanzania or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Tanzania with a clothes iron

Can I take a clothes iron in my carry on to Tanzania?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Tanzania 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 advices wrapping wires tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Tanzania

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

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug 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 found in Tanzania, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Tanzanian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use my clothes iron with a voltage converter for Tanzania?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Tanzania. Travellers wishing to use their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Tanzania using a type D power adapter

Instructions showing how to use your clothes iron in Tanzania with a three pronged Type D travel charger.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Tanzania - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Tanzania. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Tanzania 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 supply.
  3. Plug in the Type D plug adapter into the Tanzanian power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the three round holes in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tanzanian power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Tanzania using a type D power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Tanzania using a type G power adapter

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Tanzania by using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then don't 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 you have set it to the 230 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 Tanzania you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6]. This Type G plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Tanzania 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. This plug outlet, sometimes known as the Type G power outlet [5], can be identified by the three rectangular holes with shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Tanzanian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron should now be ready for use in Tanzania. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Tanzania using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Tanzanian country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  5. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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.