Which travel adapter do I need to bring for using a clothes iron in Madagascar?

Malagasy power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Madagascar:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Madagascar 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 127 volt Malagasy power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Madagascar, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Madagascar otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 127 volts you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Madagascar read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Madagascar

Will my clothes iron work in Madagascar?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 127 volt power outlets used in Madagascar:

Madagascar power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Madagascar?

Power outlets in Madagascar are 127 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Malagasy power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Malagasy power outlet is 50 Hz. [14]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Madagascar?

There are five types of power outlets used in Madagascar, types D, C, E, J and K with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is recognised by two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - The power outlet, technically known as a type D power outlet, looks like 3 circular holes forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise this power socket by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins plus a metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type J - The flattened hexagon shaped wall socket, technically called a type J power outlet, can be identified by three circular holes forming a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type K - The plug outlet (technically called a type K power outlet) looks like three holes in a triangle configuration and the bottom hole appearing semicircular in shape.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 127 volt clothes iron in Madagascar is a Type D power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Madagascar. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [15] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Madagascar?

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 supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of the clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Madagascar then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Malagasy 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 127 volts used in a Malagasy power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Madagascar.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Madagascar or any other country.

Travelling to Madagascar with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Madagascar will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping wires tightly around clothes irons. 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 provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Madagascar

Can I use a clothes iron with a power converter for Madagascar?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 127 volt power outlet used in Madagascar. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [13] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

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 in Madagascar, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 127 volts from a Malagasy power outlet to work with a non-127 volt clothes iron. [13] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Madagascar with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts for use in Madagascar - please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Madagascar you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Madagascar simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter into the Malagasy power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two round adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Malagasy power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Madagascar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Madagascar using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Madagascar using a 3 pin Type D power charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 127 volts to use in Madagascar, please consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Madagascar you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Madagascar simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type D plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by three round holes in a triangle pattern.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Malagasy power outlet. The clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Madagascar using a type D power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Madagascar using a 2 pin Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 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. Travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 127 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Madagascar. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Madagascar 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 127 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two large round adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go plus a metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Malagasy power outlet. You can now turn on your iron to use in Madagascar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Madagascar using a type E power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Madagascar using a type J power adapter

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Madagascar by using a Type J power adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 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. Travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 127 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to buy a Type J plug adapter [10] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Madagascar. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Madagascar 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 127 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type J plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped wall outlet by the 3 large round holes in a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type J plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Malagasy power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Madagascar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Madagascar using a type J power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Madagascar using a type K power adapter

Instructions on how to power your clothes iron in Madagascar by using a Type K power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 127 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type K plug adapter [12] if the shape of the power outlet used in Madagascar doesn't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron. This Type K plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Madagascar by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. First insert the Type K plug adapter in the Malagasy power outlet. This wall outlet (technically known as a Type K power outlet [11]) looks like 3 holes forming a triangle configuration and the bottom hole appearing semicircular in shape.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Malagasy power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Madagascar. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Madagascar using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Malagasy Wikipedia web 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 D power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type J power outlet
  10. Type J plug adapter - This 3-pin Type J travel adapter adheres to the Swiss SN 441011 standard, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Switzerland and Liechtenstein..
  11. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  12. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.