How do I use a clothes iron in Dominica?

Dominicand power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Dominica:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Dominica 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 a 230 volt Dominicand 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 Dominica, therefore please check that the power converter comes with a power adapter for Dominica otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Dominica check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Dominica

Will my clothes iron work in Dominica?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts used in Dominica. 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'll be able to use the clothes iron in Dominica. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on do you need a voltage converter to use a domestic clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my US clothes iron in Dominica?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader visiting Dominica and will provide advice on using your US clothes iron with a Dominicand power outlet.

Dominica power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Dominica?

The frequency from a Dominicand power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Dominica?

Power outlets in Dominica are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Dominica?

Type D and G power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Dominica?

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

  • Plug Type D - This power socket, also known as a type D power outlet, can be recognised by 3 circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket, also known as a type G power outlet, can be recognised by 3 vertical rectangular slots forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Dominica is a Type G plug adapter - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Dominica with a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Dominica

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 handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. The location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it 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 Dominica then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Dominicand 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 Dominicand power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Dominica.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Dominica or any other country.

Travelling to Dominica with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying 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 flying you to Dominica will allow clothes irons 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 greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Dominica

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?

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 230 volt Dominicand power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Dominica. [7] [AD]

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Dominica. Travellers who wish to bring along their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Dominica with a three prong Type D power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you might 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 to use in Dominica, 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 shape as the outlet which is used in Dominica you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [4]. This Type D plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Dominica 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. Begin the process by taking the Type D plug adapter and inserting it in the Dominicand power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by three holes in a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Dominicand power outlet. You can now turn on your iron for use in Dominica. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Dominica using a type D power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use a clothes iron in Dominica with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. 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 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.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Dominica isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. The Type G plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Dominica 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. First insert the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug supply, technically known as a Type G power outlet [5], can be identified by 3 vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Dominicand power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Dominica using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Dominicand entry on wikipedia
  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.