Using your clothes iron in Malta

Maltese power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Malta:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Malta but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Maltese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Malta, so check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Malta otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Malta you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Malta please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Malta

Will my clothes iron work in Malta?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Malta:

Malta power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Malta?

The common residential voltage in Malta is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Malta?

The frequency of the current from a Maltese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which power adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Malta?

Type G power outlet

Which power adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Malta?

The type of power outlet used in Malta is type G. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Malta is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Malta. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button 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 230 volts used in Malta then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Maltese 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 Maltese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Malta.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Malta or any other country.

Travelling to Malta with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Malta?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Malta 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 wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you intend to bring 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 drops and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Malta

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Maltese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Malta. [5] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter for Malta to use a clothes iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Malta. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use a clothes iron in Malta using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Malta you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Malta simply 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 supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the Maltese power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Maltese power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Malta using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Malta page on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.