Which travel adapter do I need to bring for using a clothes iron in Malaysia?

Malaysian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Malaysia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Malaysia however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Malaysian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier 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 Malaysia, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Malaysia otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Malaysia read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Malaysia

Will my clothes iron work in Malaysia?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 240 volt power outlets used in Malaysia:

How can I use my American clothes iron in Malaysia?

The guides on this page assume that you are an America reader visiting Malaysia and will provide advice on using your American clothes iron with a Malaysian power outlet.

Malaysia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Malaysian power outlet?

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

What voltage is used in Malaysia?

Power outlets in Malaysia are 240 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Malaysia?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Malaysia?

The type of power outlet used in Malaysia is type G. The power outlet, technically known as a type G power outlet, looks like 3 rectangular holes with shutters in a triangle shape. A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 240 volt clothes iron in Malaysia is a Type G plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Malaysia using a travel adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

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 outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of the clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and 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 or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages 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 Malaysia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Malaysian 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 Malaysian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Malaysia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Malaysia or any other country.

Travelling to Malaysia with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Malaysia 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 suggests 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Malaysia

Can I use a clothes iron with a power converter for Malaysia?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Malaysia. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Malaysia, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 240 volts from a Malaysian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Malaysia by using a Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Malaysia, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Malaysia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Malaysia 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 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by three vertical slots in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Malaysian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Malaysia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Malaysia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Malaysian 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.