How to use your clothes iron in Reunion

Reunionese power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Reunion:

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Reunion 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 Reunionese power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Reunion, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Reunion otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Reunion you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Reunion read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Reunion

Will my clothes iron work in Reunion?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts used in Reunion:

Reunion power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Reunion?

Power outlets in Reunion are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Reunion?

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

Which plug adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Reunion?

The type of power outlet used in Reunion is type E. The sunken round wall outlet can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other and one metal grounding pin protruding from the top forming a triangle configuration. A Type E power adapter is suitable for powering a 220 volt clothes iron in Reunion, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Reunion. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Reunion?

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 dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. The location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Reunion then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Reunionese power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 220 volts used in a Reunionese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Reunion.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Reunion or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Reunion with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on to Reunion?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Reunion will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Reunion

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Reunion. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their own domestic clothes iron, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Reunion, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Reunionese power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Reunion using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Reunion with a two prong Type E travel adapter.

  1. Ensure 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 don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Reunion; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Reunion you will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [4]. The Type E plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Reunion simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the Reunionese power outlet. The recessed circular plug outlet can be identified by two large round holes 19mm apart from each other where the two pins sit and one metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangular shape.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Reunionese power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Reunion. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Reunion using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Reunion Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  4. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.