How do I use a clothes iron in Guam?

Guamanian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Guam:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Guam but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Guamanian power outlet, however this is considerably 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 power outlet used in Guam, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Guam otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 110 volts used in Guam you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Guam please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Guam

Will my clothes iron work in Guam?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 110 volts used in Guam. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 110 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your clothes iron in Guam. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic clothes iron in Guam for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Guam power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Guamanian power outlet?

The frequency from a Guamanian power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Guam?

Power outlets in Guam are 110 volts.

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Guam?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Guam?

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

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 thin adjacent slots for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this power socket by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the two plug socket blades go with a single semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.

A suitable travel adapter to bring for using a 110 volt clothes iron in Guam is a Type B power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Guam with a travel adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you need to use a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Guam

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

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

Travelling to Guam with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Guam will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Guam

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Guam, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter converts a 110 volt Guamanian power outlet to work with a non-110 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter to use my clothes iron in Guam?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 110 volt power outlet used in Guam. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Guam with a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 110 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts to use in Guam, please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Guam doesn't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to use a Type B plug adapter [4]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Guam 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 110 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type B plug adapter into the wall outlet. The power supply, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 slots with a single hole below for the grounded pin.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guamanian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Guam. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guam using a type B power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Guam with a 2 prong Type A travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts to use in Guam; please consult the instructions to find out where this 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 110 volt power outlet). So, if the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Guam you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. This Type A plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Guam 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 110 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter in the Guamanian power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two thin slots next to each other.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Guamanian power outlet. Your iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guam using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Guam
  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.