Which power adapter will I need to bring when using a clothes iron in Curacao?

Curacaon power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Curacao:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Curacao 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 127 volt Curacaon power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Curacao, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Curacao otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 127 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Curacao please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

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Using a clothes iron in Curacao

Will my clothes iron work in Curacao?

This depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 127 volt power outlets in Curacao:

Curacao power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Curacaon power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Curacaon power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What mains voltage is used in Curacao?

The typical residential voltage in Curacao is 127 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Curacao?

Type A, B and C power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Curacao?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Curacao, types C, A and B with the primary power outlets being type C:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise this wall socket by two adjacent slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - The wall socket (technically known as a type B power outlet) is identified by two slots adjacent to each other with a hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type C - You can identify the wall socket by the two round holes next to each other where the twin pins go.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 127 volt clothes iron in Curacao is a Type C power adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Curacao with a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring 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 support a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Curacao then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Curacaon 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 127 volts used in a Curacaon power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Curacao.
  • 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 Curacao or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Curacao with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in hand 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 US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Curacao 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 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 advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Curacao

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?

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 127 volt Curacaon power outlet to work with a non-127 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Curacao. [9] [AD]

Do you need a converter for Curacao to use your clothes iron?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Curacao. Travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be noticeably lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [9] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to use a clothes iron in Curacao with a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power supply; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts to use in Curacao - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type B power adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Curacao won't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Curacao 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 127 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type B power adapter and inserting it in the Curacaon power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two slots parallel to each other with a hole below for the earthed pin.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type B power adapter.
  5. Switch on the Curacaon power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Curacao using a type B power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Curacao using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts, consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You will need to use a Type C power adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Curacao. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Curacao simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type C power adapter into the Curacaon power outlet. The plug supply (called the Type C power outlet [5] or Europlug) is identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type C power adapter.
  5. Switch on the Curacaon power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron for use in Curacao. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Curacao using a type C power adapter

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

A guide showing how to use a clothes iron in Curacao with a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 127 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts for use in Curacao - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. Please check that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your clothes iron can work with a 127 volt power supply). You will need to use a Type A power adapter [8] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Curacao. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Curacao by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type A power adapter into the Curacaon power outlet. This power outlet (known as the Type A power outlet [7]) is identified by two slots adjacent to each other.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type A power adapter.
  5. Switch on the Curacaon power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready to be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Curacao using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Curacaon country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B power 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 C power outlet
  6. Type C power 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. Type A power 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..
  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.