Using your clothes iron in Iraq

Iraqi power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Iraq:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use the right power adapter for Iraq listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Iraq 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 an 230 volt Iraqi power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Iraq, so please check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Iraq otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Iraq 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 Iraq please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Iraq

Will my clothes iron work in Iraq?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Iraq. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Iraq. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the section on will a voltage converter work with a domestic clothes iron in Iraq for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Can I use my US clothes iron in Iraq?

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

Iraq power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Iraq?

The common residential voltage in Iraq is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in an Iraqi power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in an Iraqi power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

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

Type C, D and G power outlets

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

There are three types of power outlets used in Iraq, these are type G, C and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed plug outlet, also known as a Europlug, can be identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type D - The wall socket (technically called a type D power outlet) can be recognised by 3 circular holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type G - This wall socket, also called a type G power outlet, can be recognised by 3 vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Iraq is a Type G plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Iraq using a power adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of your clothes iron. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Iraq with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on hand 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 the airline which is flying you to Iraq 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 recommends wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons.

If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Iraq

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

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Iraq. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing domestic clothes iron, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Iraq, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from an Iraqi power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Iraq using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure 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 do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Iraq you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Iraq 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 supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Iraqi power outlet. The plug supply (called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iraqi power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Iraq using a type C power adapter

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

A guide on how to use your clothes iron in Iraq with a Type D power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works 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. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Iraq. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Iraq simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly insert the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 round holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Iraqi power outlet. The iron is now ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Iraq using a type D power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use a clothes iron in Iraq with a Type G travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Iraq - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Iraq won't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [8]. The Type G plug adapter helps convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Iraq simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by three rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iraqi power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Iraq. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Iraq using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Iraqi country page 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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.