Which power adapter will I need to bring to use a clothes iron in Ghana?

Ghanaian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Ghana:

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Ghana but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Ghanaian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Ghana, so check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Ghana otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Ghana please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Ghana

Will my clothes iron work in Ghana?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts which are used in Ghana. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Ghana. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use a clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Ghana power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Ghana?

The normal voltage in Ghana is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Ghanaian power outlet?

The frequency used in a Ghanaian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Ghana?

Type D and G power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Ghana?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Ghana, types G and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type D - You can identify the plug outlet by the three round holes in a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the power outlet by the three vertical holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Ghana is a Type G plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Ghana. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Ghana

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Ghana with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Ghana in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Ghana will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends 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 recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Ghana

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Ghana, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Ghanaian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use a clothes iron in Ghana?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Ghana. A power converter is suitable for travellers who want to use their existing domestic clothes iron, however it might be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Ghana using a type D power adapter

A guide showing how to use a clothes iron in Ghana with a Type D travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Ghana, please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Ghana you'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Ghana simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type D power outlet [3]) looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Ghanaian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Ghana. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Ghana using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Ghana using a three prong Type G power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Ghana. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Ghana by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug supply by the three vertical holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Ghanaian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Ghana using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Ghana country entry on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  4. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  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.