How to use your clothes iron in Cameroon

Cameroonian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Cameroon:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Cameroon however 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 220 volt Cameroonian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Cameroon, so please check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Cameroon otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Cameroon please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Cameroon

Will my clothes iron work in Cameroon?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Cameroon. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Cameroon. 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 our section on will a voltage converter work with a clothes iron in Cameroon for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Cameroon power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Cameroon?

The standard residential voltage used in Cameroon is 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Cameroonian power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Cameroonian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Cameroon?

Type C and E power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Cameroon?

There are two types of power outlets used in Cameroon, types E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type E - This round wall outlet can be identified by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other and a long metal grounding pin protruding from the top to form a triangular shape.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Cameroon is a Type E power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Cameroon with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of your clothes iron. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Cameroon then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Cameroonian 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 220 volts used in a Cameroonian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Cameroon.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Cameroon or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Cameroon with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on to Cameroon?

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 US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Cameroon will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items.

If you do intend to bring 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 bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Cameroon

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Cameroonian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Cameroon. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use a clothes iron in Cameroon?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Cameroon. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron, however it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Cameroon with a two pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Cameroon isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Cameroon simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Cameroonian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the iron in Cameroon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Cameroon using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Cameroon by using a Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Cameroon; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet which is used in Cameroon isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. The Type E plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Cameroon by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. The sunken circular plug outlet (called a CEE 7/7 outlet or Type E power outlet [5]) can be recognised by the two 4.8mm round holes 19mm apart from each other plus a single long metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cameroonian power outlet. The iron can now be used in Cameroon. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Cameroon using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cameroon country page on wikipedia.org
  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 E power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.