How do I use my clothes iron in Angola?

Angolan power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Angola:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Angola 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 an 220 volt Angolan power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Angola, therefore check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Angola otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Angola you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Angola check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Angola

Will my clothes iron work in Angola?

It depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 220 volts which are used in Angola. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Angola. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the section on can you use a power converter with your domestic clothes iron in Angola for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Can I use my US clothes iron in Angola?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Angola and will provide advice on using your US clothes iron with an Angolan power outlet.

Angola power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Angola?

The frequency used in an Angolan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Angola?

The normal voltage used in Angola is 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Angola?

Type C power outlet

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Angola?

Type C power outlets are used in Angola. You can identify the power outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral. A Type C plug adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Angola; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Angola. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base. This location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Angola then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Angolan 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 an Angolan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Angola.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Angola or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Angola with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on luggage to Angola?

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 US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Angola will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping wires tightly around 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 offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Angola

Do you need a converter to use a clothes iron in Angola?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Angola. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing domestic clothes iron, but it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be considerably lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [5] [AD]

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 heavy and expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from an Angolan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more 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 Angola. [5] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Angola with a 2 pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron 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 Angola, please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Angola. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Angola simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the Angolan power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Angolan power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron for use in Angola. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Angola using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Angola wikipedia 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.