How to use a clothes iron in Gabon

Gabonese power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Gabon:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Gabon but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Gabonese power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Gabon, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Gabon otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 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 Gabon check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Gabon

Will my clothes iron work in Gabon?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Gabon:

Gabon power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Gabon?

Power outlets in Gabon are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Gabon?

The frequency found in a Gabonese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Gabon?

Type C power outlet

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Gabon?

Type C power outlets are used in Gabon. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go. A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 220 volt clothes iron in Gabon is a Type C plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Gabon. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also 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 will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Gabon 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 bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Gabon 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 advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items.

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 offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Gabon

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

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Gabon. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Gabonese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Gabon. [5] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Gabon with a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Gabon, please refer to the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Gabon you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Gabon simply 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 in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Gabonese power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Gabon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Gabon using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Gabon country page on wikipedia
  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. 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.