Which power adapter will I need to bring to use a clothes iron in Guadeloupe?

Guadeloupe power outlet

Summary

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Guadeloupe 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 Guadeloupe power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes 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 Guadeloupe, so check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Guadeloupe otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Guadeloupe check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Guadeloupe

Will my clothes iron work in Guadeloupe?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Guadeloupe. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the clothes iron in Guadeloupe. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use your clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Guadeloupe power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Guadeloupe power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Guadeloupe power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Guadeloupe?

Power outlets in Guadeloupe are 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Guadeloupe?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Guadeloupe?

There are three types of power outlets used in Guadeloupe, types D, C and E with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this plug outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type D - The wall socket, also known as a type D power outlet, looks like 3 round holes in a triangle shape.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the power outlet by the two large round holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins with a metal earth pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.

A Type D power adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Guadeloupe - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Guadeloupe. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Guadeloupe with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your 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 luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Guadeloupe 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 cables tightly around electronic items. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Guadeloupe

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Guadeloupe power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Guadeloupe. [9] [AD]

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Guadeloupe. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron, but it could be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Guadeloupe using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring 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 which is used in Guadeloupe. The Type C plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Guadeloupe simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it in the Guadeloupe power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two round holes next to each other where the two plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guadeloupe power outlet. You can now turn on your iron in Guadeloupe. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guadeloupe using a type C power adapter

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

A page showing how to use your clothes iron in Guadeloupe 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 outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Guadeloupe - consult the manufacturers instructions 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 type of plug outlet which is used in Guadeloupe. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Guadeloupe 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. Start by taking the Type D plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as the Type D power outlet [5], can be identified by the three holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guadeloupe power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron to use in Guadeloupe. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guadeloupe using a type D power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Guadeloupe with a Type E travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Guadeloupe you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [8]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Guadeloupe 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 plugging the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two 4.8mm round holes 19mm apart from each other where the two plug outlet pins sit and a single metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangle pattern.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guadeloupe power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guadeloupe using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Guadeloupe country page on Wikipedia
  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. 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.