Which plug adapter will I need when using a clothes iron in Belize?

Belizean power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Belize:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Belize but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Belizean power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change 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 Belize, so check that your power converter includes an appropriate power adapter for Belize otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 110 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 Belize check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Belize

Will my clothes iron work in Belize?

This depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 110 volt power outlets used in Belize. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 110 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use your clothes iron in Belize. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our guide on will a power converter work with your clothes iron in Belize for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Belize power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in a Belizean power outlet?

The frequency from a Belizean power outlet is 60Hz. [10]

What mains voltage is used in Belize?

Power outlets in Belize are 110 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Belize?

Type A, B and G power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Belize?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Belize, these are type G, A and B with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the wall outlet by the 2 thin adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  • Plug Type B - This plug outlet, also known as a type B power outlet, can be identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type G - You can identify the power outlet by the 3 vertical slots containing shutters forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering a 110 volt clothes iron in Belize - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Belize. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

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 will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Belize with a clothes iron

Can I bring a clothes iron in my carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to Belize will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Belize

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 110 volt Belizean power outlet to work with a non-110 volt clothes iron, however 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 Belize. [9] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in Belize?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Belize. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who wish to bring their own domestic clothes iron, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Belize by using a three pronged Type B power charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply; 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 make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Belize. This plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Belize 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 110 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type B plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The power supply, technically known as a Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Belizean power outlet.
  6. Your iron is now ready for use in Belize. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Belize using a type B power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your clothes iron in Belize with a three pinned Type G power adapter.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type G plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Belize. This plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Belize 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 110 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The power supply, technically known as a Type G power outlet [5], can be identified by 3 vertical rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Belizean power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron for use in Belize. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Belize using a type G power adapter

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Belize by using a three prong Type A power charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply; but if not then do not continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 110 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but still check that your clothes iron will work with a 110 volt power outlet). You'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Belize. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Belize by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. The wall supply, technically called a Type A power outlet [7], can be recognised by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Belizean power outlet.
  6. Your iron is now ready for use in Belize. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Belize using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Belizean country Wiki page
  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 G power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.