Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Micronesia?

Micronesian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Micronesia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Micronesia 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 120 volt Micronesian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Micronesia, so check that your voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for Micronesia otherwise you will still 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 suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 120 volts used in Micronesia you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Micronesia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Micronesia

Will my clothes iron work in Micronesia?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 120 volt power outlets used in Micronesia:

Micronesia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Micronesia?

The frequency used in a Micronesian power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Micronesia?

Power outlets in Micronesia are 120 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Micronesia?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Micronesia?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Micronesia, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the power outlet by the two adjacent slots for live and neutral blades.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.

A Type B plug adapter will allow you to use a 120 volt clothes iron in Micronesia - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Micronesia. Please 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] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Micronesia

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of your clothes iron. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 120 volts used in Micronesia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Micronesian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage clothes iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 120 volts used in a Micronesian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Micronesia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Micronesia or any other country.

Travelling to Micronesia with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Micronesia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cables 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 bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Micronesia

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?

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 120 volts from a Micronesian power outlet to work with a non-120 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Micronesia. [7] [AD]

Do you need a power converter to use a clothes iron in Micronesia?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 120 volt power outlet used in Micronesia. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be a lot cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Micronesia using a type B power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Micronesia using a Type B travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts, please consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Micronesia. The Type B plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Micronesia 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 120 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the Micronesian power outlet. This plug supply, technically called the Type B power outlet [3], can be recognised by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other where the short two plug outlet blades slide into with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Micronesian power outlet. You can now turn on your iron in Micronesia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Micronesia using a type B power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Micronesia using a type A power adapter

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Micronesia using a three pronged Type A power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. This guide assumes that you are not already using a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your clothes iron can work with a 120 volt power supply). You'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Micronesia isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Micronesia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type A plug adapter into the Micronesian power outlet. This plug supply (sometimes known as the Type A power outlet [5]) is identified by the 2 thin slots next to each other.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Micronesian power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Micronesia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Micronesia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  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.