How to use your clothes iron in Oman

Omani power outlet

Summary

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

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Oman but 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 an 240 volt Omani power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Oman, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Oman otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Oman please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Oman

Will my clothes iron work in Oman?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 240 volt power outlets in Oman:

Oman power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Oman?

The voltage used in Oman is 240 volts.

What is the frequency used in an Omani power outlet?

The frequency from an Omani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Oman?

Type C and G power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Oman?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Oman, these are type G and C with the primary power outlets being type G:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug socket by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  • Plug Type G - The power outlet (technically known as a type G power outlet) can be identified by three vertical slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.

A Type G plug adapter is suitable for powering a 240 volt clothes iron in Oman - read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Oman with a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Oman with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Oman will allow clothes irons 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 electronic items.

If you 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Oman

Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in Oman?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Oman. Travellers who want to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter converts a 240 volt Omani power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Oman. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to power a clothes iron in Oman with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet - but if not then don't proceed as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 240 volts to use in Oman; consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Oman isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron. The plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Oman simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Omani power outlet. This power outlet can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Omani power outlet.
  6. Your iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Oman using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your clothes iron in Oman by using a 3 prong Type G travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting for use in Oman, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Oman you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [6]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Oman simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by three vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Omani power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Oman. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Oman using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Oman entry 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 G power outlet
  6. 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..
  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.