Using a clothes iron in The Bahamas

Bahamas power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in The Bahamas:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for The Bahamas however 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 120 volt Bahamas power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier 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 wall outlet used in The Bahamas, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for The Bahamas otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 120 volts used in The Bahamas you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in The Bahamas read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in The Bahamas

Will my clothes iron work in The Bahamas?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 120 volts used in The Bahamas. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 120 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you should be able to use your clothes iron in The Bahamas. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on can you use a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in The Bahamas for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

The Bahamas power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in The Bahamas?

The typical voltage used in The Bahamas is 120 volts.

What frequency is used in The Bahamas?

The frequency found in a Bahamas power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas?

There are two types of power outlets used in The Bahamas, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify this power socket by two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this wall socket by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the longer ground pin.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 120 volt clothes iron in The Bahamas is a Type B power adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas with a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 120 volts used in The Bahamas then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Bahamas power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 120 volts used in a Bahamas power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in The Bahamas.
  • 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 The Bahamas or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to The Bahamas with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to The Bahamas will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for The Bahamas

Do you need a converter to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 120 volt power outlet used in The Bahamas. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, however it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in The Bahamas, but a heavier and more expensive power converter will transform a 120 volt Bahamas power outlet to work with a non-120 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas using a type B power adapter

Instructions showing you how to use your clothes iron in The Bahamas by using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in The Bahamas, please refer to the user guide for more information on 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 Bahamas you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in The Bahamas simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type B plug adapter into the Bahamas power outlet. The wall supply (known as the Type B power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the two slots with a single hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bahamas power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in The Bahamas. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas using a type B power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas using a type A power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas with a 2 prong Type A travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 120 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. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 120 volts for use in The Bahamas, please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. Please check that you are not already using a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your clothes iron will work with a 120 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in The Bahamas. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in The Bahamas 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 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by plugging the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bahamas power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in The Bahamas. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in The Bahamas using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Bahamas Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  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.