How do I use a clothes iron in Trinidad?

Trinidad power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Trinidad:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Trinidad however 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 115 volt Trinidad 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 not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Trinidad, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Trinidad otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 115 volts used in Trinidad you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Trinidad please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Trinidad

Will my clothes iron work in Trinidad?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 115 volts which are used in Trinidad. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 115 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the clothes iron in Trinidad. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on will a power converter work with your clothes iron in Trinidad for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Trinidad power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Trinidad?

Power outlets in Trinidad are 115 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Trinidad power outlet?

The frequency of the current used in a Trinidad power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Trinidad?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Trinidad?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Trinidad, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet (also called the type A power outlet) is recognised by two slots next to each other where the twin blades go.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the longer ground pin.

A suitable plug adapter to bring for using a 115 volt clothes iron in Trinidad is a Type B plug adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Trinidad. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

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 supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 115 volts used in Trinidad then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Trinidad 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 115 volts used in a Trinidad power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Trinidad.
  • 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 Trinidad or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Trinidad with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on luggage to Trinidad?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Trinidad will allow a clothes iron 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 electronic items.

If you 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.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Trinidad

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 115 volts from a Trinidad power outlet to work with a non-115 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Trinidad. [7] [AD]

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 115 volt power outlet used in Trinidad. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing you how to use your clothes iron in Trinidad by using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 115 volt power outlet; 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 make sure the switch is set to the 115 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Trinidad doesn't take the plug shape on your clothes iron. This Type B plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Trinidad by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 115 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type B plug adapter into the Trinidad power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the longer ground pin.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Trinidad power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Trinidad. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Trinidad using a type B power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Trinidad with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 115 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 115 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out 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 please check that your clothes iron can work with a 115 volt power outlet). You'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Trinidad isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Trinidad by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 115 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [5], is identified by 2 slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Trinidad power outlet. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Trinidad using a type A power adapter

See also

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