How to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Saudi Arabia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabian 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 Saudi Arabia, so check that the power converter has a power adapter for Saudi Arabia 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 220 volts used in Saudi Arabia you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Saudi Arabia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia

Will my clothes iron work in Saudi Arabia?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Saudi Arabia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Saudi Arabia. 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 Saudi Arabia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Saudi Arabia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Saudi Arabia?

Power outlets in Saudi Arabia are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Saudi Arabian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Saudi Arabian power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia?

There are four types of power outlets used in Saudi Arabia, these are type G, A, B and D with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed power socket (also known as the type A power outlet) can be recognised by the two adjacent slots where the live and neutral blades go.
  • Plug Type B - This plug outlet (technically called a type B power outlet) is recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the short two blades go with a hole below for the longer ground pin.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the wall outlet by the two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket (technically known as a type G power outlet) looks like three holes containing shutters forming a triangle configuration.

A suitable plug adapter to bring for using a 220 volt clothes iron in Saudi Arabia is a Type G plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia?

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 220 volts used in Saudi Arabia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Saudi Arabian 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 220 volts used in a Saudi Arabian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Saudi Arabia.
  • 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 Saudi Arabia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Saudi Arabia with a clothes iron

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

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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Saudi Arabia. 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]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 220 volt Saudi Arabian power outlet to work with a non-220 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 Saudi Arabia. [11] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia with a 3 pinned Type B power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Saudi Arabia - please refer to the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Saudi Arabia. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Saudi Arabia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type B plug adapter into the Saudi Arabian power outlet. The wall outlet (technically known as a Type B power outlet [3]) is recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the short two plug outlet blades go with a hole below for the longer ground pin.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Saudi Arabia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia using a type B power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia with a two pronged Type F travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 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. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Saudi Arabia, please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F 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 Saudi Arabia. This plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Saudi Arabia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the Saudi Arabian power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go along with a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia using a type F power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia with a 3 pinned Type G power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Saudi Arabia - please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Saudi Arabia. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Saudi Arabia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type G plug adapter into the Saudi Arabian power outlet. The wall outlet (technically known as a Type G power outlet [7]) looks like 3 rectangular holes with shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Saudi Arabia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia using a type G power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia using a 2 blade Type A power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; but if not then don't continue as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Saudi Arabia, please refer to the owners manual for more information on where this switch is.
  2. Please check that you're not already using a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your clothes iron will work with a 220 volt power outlet). If the type of power outlet which is used in Saudi Arabia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [10]. This Type A plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Saudi Arabia 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 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Saudi Arabian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Saudi Arabia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Saudi Arabia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Saudi Arabia
  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 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 G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  10. 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..
  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.