Using a clothes iron in Brunei

Bruneian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Brunei:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Brunei but 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 240 volt Bruneian 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 shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Brunei, so please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Brunei otherwise you will 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 damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Brunei you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Brunei please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Brunei

Will my clothes iron work in Brunei?

That depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 240 volts which are used in Brunei:

Brunei power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Brunei?

Power outlets in Brunei are 240 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Bruneian power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Brunei?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Brunei?

The type of power outlet used in Brunei is type G. You can identify this plug socket by the 3 holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins. A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 240 volt clothes iron in Brunei; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Brunei. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Brunei

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Brunei with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your hand luggage to Brunei?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Brunei will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons.

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

Power converters for Brunei

Do I need a voltage converter to use my clothes iron in Brunei?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Brunei. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their own clothes iron, but it might be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Brunei, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter will convert a 240 volt Bruneian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Brunei by using a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 240 volts for use in Brunei; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Brunei isn't the same shape as the plug of your clothes iron. The Type G plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Brunei by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it into the Bruneian power outlet. The wall supply (technically known as a Type G power outlet [3]) can be identified by the three vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bruneian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Brunei. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Brunei using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Brunei Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.