Using your clothes iron in Hong Kong

Hong Kong power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Hong Kong:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Hong Kong however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Hong Kong power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Hong Kong, so please check that the power converter comes with the correct power adapter for Hong Kong otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Hong Kong

Will my clothes iron work in Hong Kong?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts as used in Hong Kong. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Hong Kong. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the section on will a voltage converter work with a domestic clothes iron in Hong Kong for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Hong Kong power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Hong Kong?

The common residential voltage in Hong Kong is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in a Hong Kong power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Hong Kong power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Hong Kong?

Type G power outlet

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Hong Kong?

Type G power outlets are used in Hong Kong. You can recognise the wall socket by three rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangular configuration. A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Hong Kong - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Hong Kong. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of your clothes iron. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Hong Kong then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Hong Kong 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 220 volts used in a Hong Kong power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Hong Kong.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Hong Kong or any other country.

Travelling to Hong Kong with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Hong Kong will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons.

If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Hong Kong

Can I use my clothes iron with a voltage converter for Hong Kong?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Hong Kong. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing domestic clothes iron, but it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Hong Kong, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Hong Kong power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Hong Kong using a type G power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Hong Kong using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Hong Kong you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Hong Kong by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it in the Hong Kong power outlet. This wall outlet (known as the Type G power outlet [3]) looks like 3 rectangular slots forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Hong Kong power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Hong Kong using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Hong Kong Wikipedia web page
  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.