Using a clothes iron in Bahrain

Bahraini power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Bahrain:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Bahrain 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 Bahraini power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Bahrain, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Bahrain otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Bahrain you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Bahrain please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Bahrain

Will my clothes iron work in Bahrain?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Bahrain. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Bahrain. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on can you use a voltage converter with your domestic clothes iron in Bahrain for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

How can I use my US clothes iron in Bahrain?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Bahrain and will provide guidance for using your American clothes iron with a Bahraini power outlet.

Bahrain power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Bahrain?

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

What is the voltage in Bahrain?

The common voltage used in Bahrain is 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Bahrain?

The type of power outlet used in Bahrain is type G. You can recognise this wall socket by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern. A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Bahrain is a Type G plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Bahrain with a travel adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Bahrain?

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Bahrain then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Bahraini 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 230 volts used in a Bahraini power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Bahrain.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Bahrain or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Bahrain with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on 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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Bahrain will allow a clothes iron 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 clothes irons.

If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Bahrain

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Bahrain, but a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Bahraini power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Bahrain to use a clothes iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Bahrain. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, but it could be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [5] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Bahrain with a 3 prong Type G travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Bahrain - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Bahrain you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Bahrain simply 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 outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bahraini power outlet. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bahrain using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bahrain Wikipedia web 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.