How do I use a clothes iron in Mozambique?

Mozambican power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Mozambique:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Mozambique but 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 220 volt Mozambican power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Mozambique, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Mozambique otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Mozambique you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Mozambique please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Mozambique

Will my clothes iron work in Mozambique?

This depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets used in Mozambique:

Mozambique power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Mozambique?

The common residential voltage used in Mozambique is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Mozambican power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Mozambican power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which power adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Mozambique?

Type C, F and M power outlets

Which power adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Mozambique?

There are three types of power outlets used in Mozambique, types F, C and M with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 adjacent holes where the pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken round power outlet, technically known as the type F power outlet, can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type M - You can identify this power outlet by 3 holes in a triangle configuration.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Mozambique is a Type F power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Mozambique. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The way 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. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Mozambique with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your hand luggage to Mozambique?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Mozambique will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cords 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 recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Mozambique

Can I use a clothes iron with a converter in Mozambique?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Mozambique. Travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when travelling. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Mozambique, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Mozambican power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Mozambique with a Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts, please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Mozambique isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Mozambique by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply (called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Mozambican power outlet. The clothes iron is now ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mozambique using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Mozambique using a type F power adapter

Instructions on how to power a clothes iron in Mozambique by using a 2 pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Mozambique. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Mozambique by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. This sunken round power outlet, sometimes known as the Schuko plug, can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Mozambican power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Mozambique. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mozambique using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Mozambique using a type M power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in Mozambique with a Type M power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Mozambique, consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Mozambique you'll need to use a Type M plug adapter [8]. The Type M plug adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Mozambique by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type M plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this power supply by 3 circular holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Mozambican power outlet. The clothes iron is now ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mozambique using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Mozambique country Wikipedia page
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  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.