Using your clothes iron in Saint Lucia

St Lucian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Saint Lucia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Saint Lucia however 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 240 volt St Lucian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Saint Lucia, therefore please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Saint Lucia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Saint Lucia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Saint Lucia

Will my clothes iron work in Saint Lucia?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 240 volt power outlets used in Saint Lucia:

Saint Lucia power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Saint Lucia?

Power outlets in Saint Lucia are 240 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Saint Lucia?

The frequency of the current from a St Lucian power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Saint Lucia?

Type G power outlets are used in Saint Lucia. The wall socket (known as a type G power outlet) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes containing plastic shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth. A suitable power adapter to bring to use a 240 volt clothes iron in Saint Lucia is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Saint Lucia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Saint Lucia?

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base of your clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Saint Lucia with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Saint Lucia 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 recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you do intend to pack 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 most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Saint Lucia

Can you use your clothes iron with a converter for Saint Lucia?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 240 volt power outlet used in Saint Lucia. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 240 volt St Lucian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Saint Lucia. [5] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Saint Lucia with a 3 pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in Saint Lucia - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Saint Lucia you will need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Saint Lucia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type G plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet (technically called the Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 3 vertical holes forming a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the St Lucian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saint Lucia using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Saint Lucia Wikipedia 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.