Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in The Isle of Man?

Manx power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in The Isle of Man:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for The Isle of Man but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Manx power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in The Isle of Man, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for The Isle of Man otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 240 volts used in The Isle of Man you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in The Isle of Man read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in The Isle of Man

Will my clothes iron work in The Isle of Man?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 240 volts used in The Isle of Man. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use it in The Isle of Man. If not then you will need to consider using either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic clothes iron in The Isle of Man for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

The Isle of Man power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in The Isle of Man?

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

What is the voltage in The Isle of Man?

Power outlets in The Isle of Man are 240 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in The Isle of Man?

The type of power outlet used in The Isle of Man is type G. The wall outlet, technically called a type G power outlet, can be identified by three holes with shutters forming a triangle shape. A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 240 volt clothes iron in The Isle of Man is a Type G power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in The Isle of Man. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in The Isle of Man?

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in The Isle of Man then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Manx 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 a Manx power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in The Isle of Man.
  • 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 The Isle of Man or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Isle of Man with a clothes iron

Can I take a clothes iron in my carry on to The Isle of Man?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing 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 taking you to The Isle of Man 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 advices wrapping wires tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for The Isle of Man

Can I use my clothes iron with a voltage converter for The Isle of Man?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in The Isle of Man. Travellers wishing to use their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in The Isle of Man, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 240 volts from a Manx power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in The Isle of Man using a type G power adapter

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in The Isle of Man by using a Type G travel charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue because you may 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 make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in The Isle of Man you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in The Isle of Man 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 240 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type G plug adapter in the power outlet. This plug outlet (called the Type G power outlet [3]) can be identified by the three rectangular holes with shutters in a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Manx power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Isle of Man using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about The Isle of Man
  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.