How do I use my clothes iron in Libya?

Libyan power outlet

Summary

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Libya however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 127 volt Libyan power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Libya, so check that your voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for Libya otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 127 volts used in Libya you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Libya please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Libya

Will my clothes iron work in Libya?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 127 volts as used in Libya:

How can I use my US clothes iron in Libya?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Libya and will provide advice on using your US clothes iron with a Libyan power outlet.

Libya power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Libya?

The residential voltage in Libya is 127 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Libya?

The frequency in a Libyan power outlet is 50Hz. [12]

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

There are four different types of power outlets used in Libya, types D, C, F and L with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded plug outlet (known as the Europlug) is identified by the 2 round holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify the power socket by the three holes forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two large round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type L - You can recognise this flattened hexagon shaped plug outlet by the three large circular adjecent holes in a line for live, neutral and earth. There are two different variations of Type L plug outlet rated for 10 and 16 amps. The 10 amp wall socket has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick pins spaced 8mm apart.

A Type D plug adapter is suitable for powering a 127 volt clothes iron in Libya; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Libya. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [13] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Libya?
Plug adapters for Libya

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of your clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Libya then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Libyan 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 127 volts used in a Libyan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Libya.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Libya or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Libya with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Libya will allow clothes irons 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 electric items such as clothes irons.

If you intend to pack 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 knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Libya

Do I need a converter for Libya to use a clothes iron?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Libya. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [11] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will convert a 127 volt Libyan power outlet to work with a non-127 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Libya. [11] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Libya with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts to use in Libya - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Libya you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply (sometimes called the Type C power outlet [3]) is identified by the 2 round holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Libyan power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron in Libya. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Libya using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Libya with a 3 pronged Type D power charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Libya - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Libya isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6]. The Type D plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. The power outlet, technically called the Type D power outlet [5], looks like 3 round holes in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Libyan power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Libya using a type D power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Libya using a type F power adapter

How to power your clothes iron in Libya with a 2 pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed 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 127 volts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Libya won't accomodate the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Libya simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the Libyan power outlet. This sunken circular wall outlet, also known as a Type F power outlet [7] or Schuko plug, can be identified by the two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into along with two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Libyan power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Libya using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Libya using a type L power adapter

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Libya using a Type L power adapter.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet - if not then don't attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting to use in Libya - consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Libya you'll need to bring a Type L plug adapter [10]. This plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Libya by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type L plug adapter into the power outlet. The hexagon shaped wall outlet, sometimes called the Type L power outlet [9], looks like 3 large adjecent holes in a line for live, neutral and earth. You'll find there are two different variations of Type L power outlet rated for 10 and 16 amps. The 10 amp wall outlet has 4mm thick pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart whilst a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Libyan power outlet. You can now turn on your iron in Libya. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Libya using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Libyan country 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. 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 F power outlet
  8. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  9. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  10. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.