Using a clothes iron in Pakistan

Pakistani power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Pakistan:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Pakistan however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Pakistani power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier 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 Pakistan, so please check that the voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Pakistan otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Pakistan you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Pakistan please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Pakistan

Will my clothes iron work in Pakistan?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Pakistan. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your clothes iron in Pakistan. 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 do you need a voltage converter to use a domestic clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [11] [AD]

Pakistan power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Pakistan?

The frequency found in a Pakistani power outlet is 50 Hz. [12]

What is the voltage in Pakistan?

The typical voltage used in Pakistan is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Pakistan?

There are four types of power outlets used in Pakistan, these are type G, C, D and M with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type D - This plug socket (technically called a type D power outlet) looks like 3 holes forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type G - This power socket (technically known as a type G power outlet) looks like three holes containing shutters forming a triangle configuration.
  • Plug Type M - This plug outlet (technically called a type M power outlet) looks like 3 round holes forming a triangle shape.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Pakistan is a Type G plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Pakistan. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Pakistan?

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

One way to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base of the clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could 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 visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Pakistan then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Pakistani 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 230 volts used in a Pakistani power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Pakistan.
  • Dual voltage will say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Pakistan or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Pakistan with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron?

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 recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Pakistan 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 cables 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 recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for Pakistan

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

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Pakistan. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [11] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from a Pakistani power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Pakistan. [11] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Pakistan with a two prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Pakistan you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Pakistan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter in the Pakistani power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 2 round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Pakistani power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Pakistan using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Pakistan using a type D power adapter

A guide on how to power your clothes iron in Pakistan using a Type D power adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but 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 dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Pakistan you'll need to buy a Type D plug adapter [6]. This Type D plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Pakistan by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type D plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by three circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Pakistani power outlet. You can now switch on your iron in Pakistan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Pakistan using a type D power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Pakistan using a 3 pin Type G power charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Pakistan, please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet used in Pakistan. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Pakistan 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type G plug adapter into the Pakistani power outlet. The wall outlet (technically known as a Type G power outlet [7]) looks like 3 rectangular slots with shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Pakistani power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Pakistan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Pakistan using a type G power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Pakistan using a type M power adapter

Instructions on how to power your clothes iron in Pakistan by using a Type M power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Pakistan you will need to use a Type M plug adapter [10]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Pakistan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type M plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the three large circular holes in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Pakistani power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Pakistan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Pakistan using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia page about Pakistan
  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 D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  8. 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..
  9. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  10. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.