How do I use my clothes iron in Uganda?

Ugandan power outlet

Summary

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Uganda 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 Ugandan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier 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 wall outlet used in Uganda, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Uganda otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Uganda check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Uganda

Will my clothes iron work in Uganda?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 240 volts as used in Uganda. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Uganda. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the section on do you need a voltage converter to use a domestic clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

How can I use my US clothes iron in Uganda?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Uganda and will provide advice on using your US clothes iron with a Ugandan power outlet.

Uganda power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Uganda?

The residential voltage in Uganda is 240 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used with a Ugandan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Ugandan power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Uganda?

The type of power outlet used in Uganda is type G. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangle pattern. A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 240 volt clothes iron in Uganda is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Uganda. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Uganda?
Plug adapters for Uganda

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of your clothes iron. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Uganda with a clothes iron

Can I take a clothes iron in my carry on?

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 recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Uganda will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you do 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 drops and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Uganda

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

Voltage converter

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

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 Uganda, but a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from a Ugandan power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Do you need a power converter in Uganda to use your clothes iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in Uganda. Travellers who wish to use their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Uganda with a 3 pronged Type G power charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in Uganda - consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Uganda. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Uganda 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 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the Ugandan power outlet. You can identify this power supply by the three rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ugandan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron to use in Uganda. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Uganda using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Uganda Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.