How do I use a clothes iron in Singapore?

Singapore power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Singapore 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 230 volt Singapore power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Singapore, so please check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Singapore otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Singapore read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Singapore

Will my clothes iron work in Singapore?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Singapore:

Can I use my American clothes iron in Singapore?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Singapore and provide guidance for using your US clothes iron with a Singapore power outlet.

Singapore power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Singapore?

Power outlets in Singapore are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Singapore?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Singapore power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Singapore?

Type C, G and M power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Singapore?

There are three types of power outlets used in Singapore, types G, C and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall outlet by two circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into. Type C plug sockets in Singapore might not be as common.
  • Plug Type G - The most common sockets found in Singapore are Type G power outlets. You can identify the plug socket by the 3 slots with plastic shutters forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type M - You can recognise the wall outlet by three large round holes forming a triangle configuration. Also note that Type M plug outlets in Singapore aren't as commonplace.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Singapore, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Singapore using a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your 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 handle, base or plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Singapore with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Singapore 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 electronic items.

If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Singapore

Do you need a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in Singapore?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Singapore. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

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 found in Singapore, but an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Singapore power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Singapore by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Singapore - please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Singapore doesn't take the plug of your clothes iron. The Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Singapore 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 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Singapore power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 round holes adjacent to each other. Type C power outlets in Singapore are less common.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Singapore power outlet. You can now turn on your iron to use in Singapore. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Singapore using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Singapore by using a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts - please refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Singapore you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Singapore by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 3 rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins. The most frequently found outlets in Singapore are Type G electrical sockets.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Singapore power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Singapore. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Singapore using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Singapore using a type M power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in Singapore by using a Type M power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Singapore, please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type M plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Singapore. The Type M plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Singapore simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type M plug adapter in the Singapore power outlet. The power supply, sometimes called a Type M power outlet [7], looks like three holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins. Type M power outlets in Singapore aren't as common.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Singapore power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Singapore. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Singapore using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Visitsingapore - Visit Singapore
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. 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..
  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. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.