How do I use my clothes iron in Lebanon?

Lebanese power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Lebanon:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Lebanon but 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 220 volt Lebanese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Lebanon, therefore please check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Lebanon otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Lebanon read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Lebanon

Will my clothes iron work in Lebanon?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts used in Lebanon:

How can I use my American clothes iron in Lebanon?

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

Lebanon power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Lebanese power outlet?

The frequency from a Lebanese power outlet is 50Hz. [14]

What mains voltage is used in Lebanon?

Power outlets in Lebanon are 220 volts.

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Lebanon?

There are five different types of power outlets used in Lebanon, these are type G, A, B, C and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed wall socket, technically called a type A power outlet, is identified by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify the plug socket by two thin slots parallel to each other with a semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.
  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug socket by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify the plug outlet by three circular holes in a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise this power socket by the 3 vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration.

A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Lebanon, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Lebanon with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you need to use a power converter.  [10] [15] [AD]

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Lebanon?

Dual voltage travel irons

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

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

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Lebanon then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Lebanese 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 220 volts used in a Lebanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Lebanon.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Lebanon or any other country.

Travelling to Lebanon with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Lebanon will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

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 knocks and drops during your journey.   [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Lebanon

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Lebanon, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 220 volt Lebanese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [13] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use my clothes iron in Lebanon?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Lebanon. Travellers who wish to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [13] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon using a type B power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon with a Type B power adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Lebanon you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Lebanon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The plug supply, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3], is identified by two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircular shaped hole below for the long earth pin. Please be aware that power cords used with type B outlets which are rated at less that 240 V shouldn't be used in The Lebanon so we suggest checking prior to continuing.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lebanese power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon using a type B power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Lebanon with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Lebanon doesn't take the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [6]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Lebanon by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lebanese power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Lebanon using a 3 pin Type D power charger.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't 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 220 volts for use in Lebanon - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type D plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Lebanon. This Type D plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Lebanon simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type D plug adapter in the Lebanese power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Lebanese power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon using a type D power adapter

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

A guide on how to power a clothes iron in Lebanon with a 3 prong Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Lebanon you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [10]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Lebanon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The plug supply, sometimes known as the Type G power outlet [9], looks like three holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lebanese power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron is now ready for use in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon using a type A power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Lebanon with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. Please check that you're not already using a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your clothes iron will work with a 220 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [12] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Lebanon. This Type A plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Lebanon simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter into the Lebanese power outlet. The wall supply, technically known as a Type A power outlet [11], can be identified by the 2 slots. Note that power cords with type A sockets which are rated at less that 240 volts shouldn't be used so please check prior to proceeding.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lebanese power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in Lebanon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lebanon using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Lebanon Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  12. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.