Using your clothes iron in The Ascension Islands

Ascensionian Island power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in The Ascension Islands:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for The Ascension Islands 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 an 240 volt Ascensionian Island power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier 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 The Ascension Islands, therefore check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for The Ascension Islands otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts used in The Ascension Islands 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 The Ascension Islands please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in The Ascension Islands

Will my clothes iron work in The Ascension Islands?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 240 volts as used in The Ascension Islands. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the clothes iron in The Ascension Islands. 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 section on can you use a power converter to use a domestic clothes iron in The Ascension Islands for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

The Ascension Islands power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in The Ascension Islands?

The normal residential voltage in The Ascension Islands is 240 volts.

What frequency is used in an Ascensionian Island power outlet?

The frequency of the current used in an Ascensionian Island power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in The Ascension Islands?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in The Ascension Islands?

The type of power outlet used in The Ascension Islands is type G. You can identify the power outlet by the 3 vertical holes with shutters in a triangular shape. A Type G power adapter allows you to use a 240 volt clothes iron in The Ascension Islands - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in The Ascension Islands with a plug adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Plug adapters for The Ascension Islands

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

The method 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 plug of the clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to The Ascension Islands with a clothes iron

Can you bring 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 hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to The Ascension Islands 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 wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. 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 knocks and bumps during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for The Ascension Islands

Do you need a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in The Ascension Islands?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in The Ascension Islands. Travellers who wish to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for The Ascension Islands?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for The Ascension Islands?

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert the voltage of 240 volts from an Ascensionian Island power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, whereas 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 The Ascension Islands. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in The Ascension Islands using a type G power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in The Ascension Islands with a Type G travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting to use in The Ascension Islands, please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in The Ascension Islands. This plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in The Ascension Islands simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the Ascensionian Island power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by the 3 vertical holes with plastic shutters in a triangular pattern.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Ascensionian Island power outlet.
  6. The iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Ascension Islands using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - The Ascension Islands entry on Wikipedia
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.