Using your clothes iron in Bhutan

Bhutanese power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Bhutan:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Bhutan however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Bhutanese power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Bhutan, so check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Bhutan otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [13] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Bhutan check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Bhutan

Will my clothes iron work in Bhutan?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Bhutan:

Bhutan power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Bhutan?

The common residential voltage in Bhutan is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a Bhutanese power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Bhutanese power outlet is 50 Hz. [14]

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

There are five types of power outlets used in Bhutan, these are type G, C, D, F and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the wall socket by the two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type D - This plug outlet (known as a type D power outlet) looks like three holes forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the power outlet by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm apart from each other and a pair of metal grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the plug outlet by the 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type M - You can recognise the wall socket by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.

A Type G power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Bhutan, read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Bhutan. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also have to bring a power converter.  [10] [15] [AD]

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

Dual voltage travel irons

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

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the clothes iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Bhutan then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Bhutanese 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 230 volts used in a Bhutanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Bhutan.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Bhutan or any other country.

Travelling to Bhutan with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your luggage?

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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Bhutan will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to pack 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.   [16] [17] [AD]

Power converters for Bhutan

Do I need a converter for Bhutan to use a clothes iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Bhutan. Travellers who wish to bring along their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. A power converter is significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [13] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Bhutanese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Bhutan. [13] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Bhutan with a two pinned Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Bhutan. The Type C plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Bhutan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Bhutanese power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two round holes next to each other.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Bhutan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bhutan using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use a clothes iron in Bhutan with a Type D travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you might 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 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Bhutan you will need to use a Type D plug adapter [6]. This Type D plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Bhutan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type D plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three holes in a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bhutanese power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron to use in Bhutan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bhutan using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Bhutan using a two pronged Type F power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts - consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type F plug adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Bhutan. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Bhutan simply 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. Begin by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Bhutanese power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet. The iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bhutan using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Bhutan using a type G power adapter

How to power your clothes iron in Bhutan using a three pronged Type G power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Bhutan - refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [10] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Bhutan. This plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Bhutan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type G plug adapter into the Bhutanese power outlet. The wall outlet (known as the Type G power outlet [9]) looks like 3 vertical rectangular slots containing shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet. The clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bhutan using a type G power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Bhutan using a three pronged Type M travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 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. Some irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; consult the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type M plug adapter [12] if the type of power outlet used in Bhutan won't accomodate the plug shape of your clothes iron. The Type M plug adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Bhutan 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type M plug adapter into the Bhutanese power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 3 large holes forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bhutanese power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bhutan using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Bhutan
  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 F power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  10. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  11. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  12. 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..
  13. 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..
  14. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  15. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  16. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  17. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.