Using your clothes iron in Paraguay

Paraguayan power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Paraguay:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Paraguay 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 Paraguayan power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Paraguay, therefore please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Paraguay otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Paraguay check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Paraguay

Will my clothes iron work in Paraguay?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Paraguay. 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 appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Paraguay. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on will a power converter work with a domestic clothes iron in Paraguay for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Paraguay power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Paraguay?

The common residential voltage in Paraguay is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in a Paraguayan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Paraguayan power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Paraguay?

Type C power outlet

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Paraguay?

Type C power outlets are used in Paraguay. This ungrounded power socket is identified by 2 adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral. A Type C power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Paraguay; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Paraguay. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of your clothes iron. This location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to operate 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 220 volts used in Paraguay then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Paraguayan 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 220 volts used in a Paraguayan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Paraguay.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Paraguay or any other country.

Travelling to Paraguay with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Paraguay 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 cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you 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 greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Paraguay

Can I use my clothes iron with a voltage converter for Paraguay?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Paraguay. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Paraguay?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Paraguay?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Paraguay, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Paraguayan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Paraguay using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Paraguay - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Paraguay doesn't take the plug shape of your clothes iron. The Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Paraguay simply 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 outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two round holes next to each other.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Paraguayan power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron to use in Paraguay. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Paraguay using a type C power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Paraguayan entry 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. 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.