How do I use a clothes iron in Miquelon?

Miquelonnais power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Miquelon:

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Miquelon 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 Miquelonnais power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Miquelon, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Miquelon otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Miquelon read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Miquelon

Will my clothes iron work in Miquelon?

That depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Miquelon. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your clothes iron in Miquelon. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our section on will a voltage converter work with a clothes iron in Miquelon for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Can I use my American clothes iron in Miquelon?

The guides on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Miquelon and provide advice on using your US clothes iron with a Miquelonnais power outlet.

Miquelon power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Miquelon?

The common residential voltage used in Miquelon is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used in Miquelon?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Miquelon?

Type E power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Miquelon?

The type of power outlet used in Miquelon is type E. The recessed circular power outlet, also called a CEE 7/7 plug, can be recognised by two large round adjacent holes next to each other plus a single long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular pattern. A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Miquelon, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Miquelon using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base of your clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Miquelon then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Miquelonnais 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 230 volts used in a Miquelonnais power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Miquelon.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Miquelon or any other country.

Travelling to Miquelon with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Miquelon will allow clothes irons 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 do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Miquelon

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Miquelon, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Miquelonnais power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Can you use your clothes iron with a voltage converter in Miquelon?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Miquelon. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring their existing clothes iron, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Miquelon using a type E power adapter

A page on how to power a clothes iron in Miquelon by using a two prong Type E travel adapter.

  1. Make sure 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 do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Miquelon you will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Miquelon 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 E plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two round adjacent holes for live and neutral and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Miquelonnais power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Miquelon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Miquelon using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Miquelon country Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.