Which travel adapter will I need when using a clothes iron in Mongolia?

Mongolian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Mongolia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Mongolia 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 220 volt Mongolian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Mongolia, so check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Mongolia otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Mongolia you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Mongolia check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Mongolia

Will my clothes iron work in Mongolia?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volts used in Mongolia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in Mongolia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in Mongolia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Mongolia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Mongolian power outlet?

The frequency found in a Mongolian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Mongolia?

The residential voltage used in Mongolia is 220 volts.

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

Type C and E power outlets

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

There are two types of power outlets used in Mongolia, types E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet, also known as the Europlug, is identified by two round holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type E - This round plug socket (technically known as a CEE 7/7 socket) can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins with a single long metal earth pin protruding the top in a triangle shape.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 220 volt clothes iron in Mongolia is a Type E plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Mongolia. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

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

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

Travelling to Mongolia with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on to Mongolia?

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 suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Mongolia 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 suggests wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Mongolia

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Mongolia. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring along their own domestic clothes iron, however it could be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [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 heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Mongolian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Mongolia. [7] [AD]

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

A guide on how to power your clothes iron in Mongolia with a 2 prong Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Mongolia. The Type C plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Mongolia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mongolian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mongolia using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing you how to use your clothes iron in Mongolia by using a 2 pin Type E power charger.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Mongolia, please consult the instructions to find out where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Mongolia you will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will help adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Mongolia 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. Plug in the Type E plug adapter in the Mongolian power outlet. This round plug outlet can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins with a single long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mongolian power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in Mongolia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mongolia using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Mongolia 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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.