How do I use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in The United Arab Emirates:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for The United Arab Emirates however 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 220 volt United Arab Emirates power outlet, however this is significantly 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 The United Arab Emirates, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for The United Arab Emirates otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in The United Arab Emirates 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 The United Arab Emirates please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates

Will my clothes iron work in The United Arab Emirates?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts which are used in The United Arab Emirates. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates. 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 the section on will a power converter work with your clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

The United Arab Emirates power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in The United Arab Emirates?

Power outlets in The United Arab Emirates are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a United Arab Emirates power outlet?

The frequency of the current found in a United Arab Emirates power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates?

Type C, D and G power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates?

There are three different types of power outlets used in The United Arab Emirates, types G, C and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can identify this power socket by three round holes in a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type G - The plug outlet (technically called a type G power outlet) looks like three holes forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.

A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a travel adapter for The United Arab Emirates. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [11] [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 supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in The United Arab Emirates then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in The United Arab Emirates.
  • 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 The United Arab Emirates or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The United Arab Emirates with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on luggage to The United Arab Emirates?

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 United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to The United Arab Emirates 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 advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

If you 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.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for The United Arab Emirates

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for The United Arab Emirates?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for The United Arab Emirates?

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a United Arab Emirates power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight 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 The United Arab Emirates. [9] [AD]

Do you need a converter in The United Arab Emirates to use your clothes iron?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in The United Arab Emirates. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [9] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 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 travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in The United Arab Emirates isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in The United Arab Emirates 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug supply is recognised by two adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the United Arab Emirates power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in The United Arab Emirates. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type D power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates with a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in The United Arab Emirates, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in The United Arab Emirates. The plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in The United Arab Emirates 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. First you'll need to insert the Type D plug adapter in the United Arab Emirates power outlet. This wall outlet (technically known as a Type D power outlet [5]) looks like three holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the United Arab Emirates power outlet. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type D power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates with a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not 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 220 volt setting, consult the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in The United Arab Emirates you will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in The United Arab Emirates 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 supply.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the 3 vertical rectangular slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the United Arab Emirates power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in The United Arab Emirates. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The United Arab Emirates using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - United Arab Emirates page on Wikipedia.org
  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 G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.