Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leonean power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Sierra Leone:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for Sierra Leone however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Sierra Leonean power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Sierra Leone, so check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Sierra Leone otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Sierra Leone read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Sierra Leone

Will my clothes iron work in Sierra Leone?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Sierra Leone:

Will my US clothes iron work in Sierra Leone?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from the US visiting Sierra Leone and will provide guidance for using your American clothes iron with a Sierra Leonean power outlet.

Sierra Leone power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Sierra Leone?

The typical voltage in Sierra Leone is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Sierra Leone?

The frequency found in a Sierra Leonean power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Sierra Leone?

Type D and G power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Sierra Leone?

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

  • Plug Type D - This plug socket, technically called a type D power outlet, can be recognised by the 3 holes in a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type G - This wall outlet (also called a type G power outlet) can be identified by the three vertical slots with shutters forming a triangular shape.

A Type G plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Sierra Leone, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Sierra Leone. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple method to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of the clothes iron. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Sierra Leone with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my hand luggage to Sierra Leone?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Sierra Leone will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping wires 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 use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Sierra Leone

Do you need a converter in Sierra Leone to use your clothes iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Sierra Leone. Travellers wishing to bring along their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Sierra Leone, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter will convert a 230 volt Sierra Leonean power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Sierra Leone by using a three prong Type D travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Sierra Leone; refer to the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Sierra Leone doesn't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [4]. The Type D plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Sierra Leone by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type D plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. This power outlet, technically known as a Type D power outlet [3], looks like 3 holes in a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Sierra Leonean power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Sierra Leone. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Sierra Leone using a type D power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Sierra Leone with a three pinned Type G power charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Sierra Leone. This Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Sierra Leone simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the Sierra Leonean power outlet. The power supply (technically known as a Type G power outlet [5]) can be identified by the three vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangular shape.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Sierra Leonean power outlet. Your iron is now ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Sierra Leone using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Sierra Leone Wikipedia web page
  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.