How to use a clothes iron in Somalia

Somali power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Somalia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) 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:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Somalia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Somali power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Somalia, so check that the power converter has a power adapter for Somalia otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Somalia you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Somalia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Somalia

Will my clothes iron work in Somalia?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Somalia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Somalia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on can you use a voltage converter with your domestic clothes iron in Somalia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Somalia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Somalia?

Power outlets in Somalia are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Somalia?

The frequency used in a Somali power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Somalia?

Type C power outlet

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Somalia?

The type of power outlet used in Somalia is type C. You can identify this plug socket by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins. A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 220 volt clothes iron in Somalia is a Type C power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for Somalia. Please 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 the handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Somalia with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage to Somalia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Somalia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Somalia

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 220 volt Somali power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Somalia. [5] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Somalia to use your clothes iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Somalia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Somalia with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Please 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 proceed as you could 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 220 volt setting to use in Somalia; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Somalia won't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron. This Type C plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Somalia 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by two round adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Somali power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Somalia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Somalia using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Somali 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. 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.