How to use a clothes iron in Senegal

Senegalese power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Senegal:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Senegal 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 230 volt Senegalese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Senegal, so check that the power converter has a power adapter for Senegal otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Senegal you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Senegal please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Senegal

Will my clothes iron work in Senegal?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Senegal. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Senegal. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on can you use a voltage converter with your domestic clothes iron in Senegal for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Senegal power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Senegal?

The frequency used in a Senegalese power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

What voltage is used in Senegal?

Power outlets in Senegal are 230 volts.

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

There are four different types of power outlets used in Senegal, these are type D, C, E and K with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug socket by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise this wall socket by the 3 round holes forming a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type E - The recessed round power socket, technically called the CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins plus a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type K - The plug outlet, also known as a type K power outlet, looks like 3 large holes forming an upside-down triangle pattern for the live, neutral and ground.

A Type D power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Senegal - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Senegal using a travel adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [13] [AD]

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

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Senegal then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Senegalese power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Senegalese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Senegal.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Senegal or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Senegal with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage to Senegal?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline who is taking you to Senegal will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords 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 use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Senegal

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 230 volt Senegalese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Senegal. [11] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Senegal to use your clothes iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Senegal. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, however it can 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 considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [11] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Senegal by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Senegal - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Senegal doesn't take the plug shape of your clothes iron. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Senegal simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type C plug adapter into the Senegalese power outlet. This plug outlet is recognised by 2 holes adjacent to each other where the two pins go.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Senegalese power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Senegal. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Senegal using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Senegal using a type D power adapter

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Senegal by using a Type D travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Senegal, please consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type D plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Senegal. This Type D plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Senegal by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type D plug adapter in the Senegalese power outlet. The power supply (sometimes known as the Type D power outlet [5]) looks like three holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Senegalese power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Senegal. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Senegal using a type D power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Senegal with a two prong Type E travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions 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 Senegal you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [8]. This Type E plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Senegal by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The recessed round wall outlet, sometimes called a CEE 7/7 plug or Type E power outlet [7], can be recognised by two holes 19mm adjacent to each other where the two pins go with a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangular configuration.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Senegalese power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Senegal using a type E power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Senegal using a type K power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Senegal with a two prong Type K travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Senegal doesn't take the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type K plug adapter [10]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Senegal simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type K plug adapter in the Senegalese power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 3 large holes forming an inverted triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Senegalese power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Senegal using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Senegal page 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. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  10. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.