How do I use a clothes iron in Syria?

Syrian power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in Syria:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Syria 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 a 220 volt Syrian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Syria, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Syria otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Syria you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Syria check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Syria

Will my clothes iron work in Syria?

That depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Syria. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Syria. If not then you will need to consider using 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 domestic clothes iron in Syria for help deciding which option is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Syria power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Syria?

Power outlets in Syria are 220 volts.

What frequency is used in Syria?

The frequency used in a Syrian power outlet is 50 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Syria?

Type C, E and L power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Syria?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Syria, types E, C and L with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket, technically called the Europlug, can be recognised by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins sit.
  • Plug Type E - This sunken circular power outlet can be recognised by two circular holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral plus a metal grounding pin protruding the top in a triangular pattern.
  • Plug Type L - This squashed hexagon shaped wall socket (also known as a type L power outlet) looks like 3 round holes in a line. Note that there are two variations of Type L plug outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp wall socket has 4mm round pins spaced 5.5mm apart, and a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Syria; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Syria. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also need to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [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 will handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the clothes iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Syria with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron to Syria in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Syria 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 suggests 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 recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Syria

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Syria. Travellers wishing 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 purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Syria, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 220 volt Syrian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Syria using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Syria. The plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Syria 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. Plug the Type C plug adapter into the Syrian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Syrian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Syria. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Syria using a type C power adapter

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

A step by step guide showing how to use a clothes iron in Syria with a 2 pinned Type E power adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Syria - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Syria you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6]. This Type E plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Syria simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. The sunken round plug supply (sometimes known as a CEE 7/7 plug) can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19mm adjacent to each other and a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Syrian power outlet.
  6. Your iron is now ready for use in Syria. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Syria using a type E power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Syria using a type L power adapter

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Syria using a Type L travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting; please consult the owners manual for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to use a Type L plug adapter [8] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Syria isn't the same shape as the plug of your clothes iron. The power adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Syria by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type L plug adapter into the Syrian power outlet. This flattened hexagon shaped wall outlet, technically called the Type L power outlet [7], can be identified by the three circular adjecent holes in a line. Please note there are two different variations of Type L power outlet rated at 10 amps and 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm pins spaced 5.5mm apart whilst a 16 amp version has larger 5mm pins spaced 8mm apart.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Syrian power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Syria. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Syria using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Syria
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  8. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.