Using a clothes iron in Peru

Peruvian power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Peru but 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 Peruvian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, 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 Peru, so check that the power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Peru otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [9] [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 Peru please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Peru

Will my clothes iron work in Peru?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Peru. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use the clothes iron in Peru. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use a domestic clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Peru power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Peru?

Power outlets in Peru are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in a Peruvian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Peruvian power outlet is 60 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Peru?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Peru?

There are three types of power outlets used in Peru, these are type C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet (also known as the type A power outlet) is identified by the 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify the wall socket by two slots where the live and neutral blades go with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the earthed pin.
  • Plug Type C - The wall socket is identified by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.

A Type C power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Peru; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Peru with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron can accept dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Peru then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Peruvian 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 Peruvian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Peru.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Peru or any other country.

Travelling to Peru with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Peru?

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 verify that your airline which is flying you to Peru 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 cords tightly around electronic items. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Peru

Do you need a converter for Peru to use a clothes iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Peru. Travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [9] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Peru?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Peru?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Peruvian power outlet to work with a non-220 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 found in Peru. [9] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use your clothes iron in Peru with a Type B 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 it doesn't then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Peru - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Peru you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Peru simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the Peruvian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two slots where the live and neutral blades go with a single hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Peruvian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Peru. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Peru using a type B power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Peru using a 2 pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Peru, please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Peru doesn't take the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [6]. The Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Peru by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Peruvian power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Peruvian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Peru using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Peru by using a three bladed Type A power adapter.

  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 proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Peru - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your clothes iron will work with a 220 volt power outlet). You'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Peru. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Peru 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. The power supply (sometimes called the Type A power outlet [7]) is identified by 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral blades slide into.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Peruvian power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Peru using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Peru
  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 C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  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.