Using a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Papua New Guinea:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Papua New Guinea 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 240 volt Papua New Guinea power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier 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 Papua New Guinea, so check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Papua New Guinea otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Papua New Guinea please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea

Will my clothes iron work in Papua New Guinea?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 240 volt power outlets used in Papua New Guinea. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 240 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the clothes iron in Papua New Guinea. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Will my American clothes iron work in Papua New Guinea?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US visiting Papua New Guinea and provide guidance for using your American clothes iron with a Papua New Guinea power outlet.

Papua New Guinea power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Papua New Guinea?

Power outlets in Papua New Guinea are 240 volts.

What frequency is used in a Papua New Guinea power outlet?

The frequency in a Papua New Guinea power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea?

Type I power outlet

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea?

Type I power outlets are used in Papua New Guinea. This plug outlet (also known as a type I power outlet) can be recognised by 3 thin slots forming an upside-down triangular configuration with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth. A Type I power adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt clothes iron in Papua New Guinea; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Papua New Guinea

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Papua New Guinea with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Papua New Guinea?

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 which is flying you to Papua New Guinea will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you do 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 greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Papua New Guinea

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Papua New Guinea?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Papua New Guinea?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert the voltage of 240 volts from a Papua New Guinea power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Papua New Guinea. [5] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Papua New Guinea to use a clothes iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Papua New Guinea. Travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea using a type I power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea using a three pronged Type I power charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Papua New Guinea - consult the manufacturers instructions 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 which is used in Papua New Guinea you'll need to bring a Type I plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Papua New Guinea simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type I plug adapter into the Papua New Guinea power outlet. This plug supply, technically known as a Type I power outlet [3], can be identified by the three slots for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Papua New Guinea power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Papua New Guinea using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Papua New Guinea Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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.