How do I use my clothes iron in Montserrat?

Montserratian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Montserrat:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Montserrat 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 Montserratian power outlet, however this is noticeably 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 wall outlet used in Montserrat, therefore check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Montserrat otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Montserrat you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Montserrat check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Montserrat

Will my clothes iron work in Montserrat?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Montserrat:

How can I use my US clothes iron in Montserrat?

The guides on this page assume that you're a reader from the US travelling to Montserrat and will provide advice on using your US clothes iron with a Montserratian power outlet.

Montserrat power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in a Montserratian power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Montserratian power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Montserrat?

The residential voltage in Montserrat is 230 volts.

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

Type A and B power outlets

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

There are two types of power outlets used in Montserrat, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet, technically called a type A power outlet, can be recognised by the 2 thin adjacent slots for live and neutral blades.
  • Plug Type B - The power outlet, technically called a type B power outlet, can be recognised by 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the earth pin.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Montserrat is a Type B plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Montserrat with a power adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

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

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

Travelling to Montserrat with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my 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 your airline who is taking you to Montserrat 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 suggests wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you intend to bring 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 knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Montserrat

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

Voltage converter

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

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 in Montserrat, however a heavier and more expensive power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Montserratian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Can you use your clothes iron with a converter for Montserrat?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Montserrat. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Montserrat using a type B power adapter

How to power your clothes iron in Montserrat with a Type B travel charger.

  1. Make sure 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 attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Montserrat - consult 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 Montserrat you'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to fit different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Montserrat by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type B plug adapter and plugging it in the Montserratian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the slightly long grounded pin. Please be aware that power cables with type B plugs which are rated at less that 240 volts should not be used in Montserrat so we suggest checking first.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Montserratian power outlet. You can now switch on the iron to use in Montserrat. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Montserrat using a type B power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Montserrat using a type A power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Montserrat using a three prong Type A power adapter.

  1. Ensure 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 do not attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Montserrat - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. Please check that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your clothes iron can work with a 230 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Montserrat isn't the same shape as the plug of your clothes iron. The Type A plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Montserrat simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type A plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [5], can be recognised by 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades. Please note power cords with type A sockets which are rated at only 125 V shouldn't be used so we recommend checking prior to continuing.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Montserratian power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Montserrat using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Montserrat Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  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.