Using your clothes iron in Malta
Summary
First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Malta:
- If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.
If not then either:
- Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Malta but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Maltese power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Malta, so check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Malta otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Using a clothes iron in Malta
Will my clothes iron work in Malta?
That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Malta:
- If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Malta.
- If not then then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use a domestic clothes iron in Malta for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]
Malta power outlets and plug sockets
What is the mains voltage in Malta?
The common residential voltage in Malta is 230 volts.
What is the electrical frequency used in Malta?
The frequency of the current from a Maltese power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]
Which power adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Malta?
The type of power outlet used in Malta is type G. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Malta is a Type G plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Malta. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter. [4] [7] [AD]
Dual voltage travel irons
Is my clothes iron dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Malta then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Maltese 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 230 volts used in a Maltese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Malta.
- A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Malta or any other country.
Travelling to Malta with a clothes iron
Can I carry on a clothes iron to Malta?
According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Malta will allow clothes irons 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 intend to bring 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 greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit. [8] [9] [AD]
Power converters for Malta
What is the difference between a voltage converter and a power adapter?
A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Maltese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Malta. [5] [AD]
Do you need a voltage converter for Malta to use a clothes iron?
A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Malta. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [5] [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Malta using a type G power adapter
Instructions on how to use a clothes iron in Malta using a Type G travel charger.
- Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
- If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Malta you'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Malta simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
- Start by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it in the Maltese power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three rectangular slots with plastic shutters in a triangular configuration for live, neutral and earth.
- After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
- Turn on the Maltese power outlet.
- Your clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
See also
- What can I connect to a Maltese power outlet?
- What can I connect to a clothes iron?
- Can I charge my phone in Europe?
- Can I use my phone in Europe?
- Do I need a converter for my phone in Europe?
- Will my phone charger work in Europe?
- What are the dangers of using the wrong mobile phone charger in Europe?
- What do I need to charge my phone in Europe?
- How to call the US from Europe
- Which outlets are used in Europe?
- Will my hairdryer work in Europe?
- Can I use my flat iron in Europe?
- What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Europe?
- How to travel Europe by train
- How much is a Europass?
- Can I buy Rail Europe tickets at the station?
- Can I buy a rail pass in Europe?
- Can I buy Eurostar tickets on the station?
- Where can I buy Euros from?
- What denominations do Euros come in?
- Can I buy Euros at any bank?
- How do I convert dollars to Euros?
- Can I buy Euros with a credit card?
- Does Sweden use the Euro?
- Does the United Kingdom use the Euro?
- Does Denmark use the Euro?
- How long can an American stay in Europe for?
- Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
- What is the most spoken language in Europe?
- How many different languages are spoken in Europe?
- How many countries are there in Europe?
- What countries are in Eastern Europe?
- What countries are in Western Europe?
- What is Northern Europe?
- What countries are not in the European Union?
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - Malta page on Wikipedia
- Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
- iec.ch - Type G power outlet
- 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..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
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