Which plug adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Vanuatu?

Vanuatuan power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 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 won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for Vanuatu however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Vanuatuan 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 not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Vanuatu, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Vanuatu otherwise you will also 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 suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Vanuatu please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Vanuatu

Will my clothes iron work in Vanuatu?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Vanuatu:

Can I use my American clothes iron in Vanuatu?

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

Vanuatu power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Vanuatu?

The frequency from a Vanuatuan power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Vanuatu?

Power outlets in Vanuatu are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Vanuatu?

Type C, G and I power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Vanuatu?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug socket by 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type G - You can recognise the plug socket by 3 slots with plastic shutters forming a triangular shape.
  • Plug Type I - This power socket (technically known as a type I power outlet) can be identified by three slots in an upside-down triangle shape with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground.

A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Vanuatu; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Vanuatu using a power adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [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 dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of the clothes iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Vanuatu then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Vanuatuan 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 220 volts used in a Vanuatuan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Vanuatu.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Vanuatu or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Vanuatu with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron?

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 suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Vanuatu 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 cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Vanuatu

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Vanuatuan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Vanuatu. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use a clothes iron in Vanuatu?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Vanuatu. Travellers wishing to use their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Vanuatu by using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Vanuatu isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This power adapter will convert plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Vanuatu by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Vanuatuan power outlet. The iron can now be used in Vanuatu. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Vanuatu using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Vanuatu by using a Type G power charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue because you may 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 you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Vanuatu; refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Vanuatu. This Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Vanuatu by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the Vanuatuan power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by three vertical rectangular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Vanuatuan power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Vanuatu. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Vanuatu using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Vanuatu Wikipedia page
  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. 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..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.