Which travel adapter do I need to bring to use a clothes iron in Guatemala?
Summary
First check that your clothes iron can work in Guatemala:
- If your clothes iron can run using 120 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will 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:
- Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Guatemala 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 120 volt Guatemalan power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Guatemala, so check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Guatemala otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Using a clothes iron in Guatemala
Will my clothes iron work in Guatemala?
This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 120 volts which are used in Guatemala:
- 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 appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Guatemala.
- If not then then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the section on can you use a power converter with your domestic clothes iron in Guatemala for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]
Guatemala power outlets and plug sockets
What mains voltage is used in Guatemala?
The standard voltage in Guatemala is 120 volts.
What is the electrical frequency used in Guatemala?
The frequency of the current from a Guatemalan power outlet is 60Hz. [8]
Type A and B power outlets
Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Guatemala?
There are two different types of power outlets used in Guatemala, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:
- Plug Type A - This ungrounded power socket, also known as a type A power outlet, can be recognised by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other.
- Plug Type B - This power socket, also known as a type B power outlet, can be recognised by 2 thin slots next to each other where the live and neutral blades slide into with a semicircle hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
A recommended plug adapter to bring when using a 120 volt clothes iron in Guatemala is a Type B power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Guatemala. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter. [4] [9] [AD]
Dual voltage travel irons
How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?
The method to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.
- Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 120 volts used in Guatemala then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Guatemalan 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 120 volts used in a Guatemalan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Guatemala.
- 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 Guatemala or any other country if these numbers are shown.
Travelling to Guatemala with a clothes iron
Can I carry on a clothes iron to Guatemala in my luggage?
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 also suggests that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Guatemala 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 clothes irons. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit. [10] [11] [AD]
Power converters for Guatemala
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Guatemala?
A small, cheap 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 Guatemala, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 120 volt Guatemalan power outlet to work with a non-120 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]
Do I need a voltage converter for Guatemala to use a clothes iron?
The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 120 volt power outlet used in Guatemala. Travellers who wish to use their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is also noticeably heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guatemala using a type B power adapter
A page showing how to power your clothes iron in Guatemala with a Type B travel charger.
- Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply; but if not then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts, consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
- If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Guatemala you will need to use a Type B power adapter [4]. This Type B power adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Guatemala simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
- Firstly you'll need to plug the Type B power adapter in the power outlet. You can identify this plug supply by the two thin slots for live and neutral blades with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the earth pin.
- Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type B power adapter.
- Turn on the Guatemalan power outlet. Your iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guatemala using a type A power adapter
How to power your clothes iron in Guatemala with a Type A travel adapter.
- Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply but if not then do not proceed as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts, consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
- Please check that you're not already using 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 120 volt power supply). You'll need to bring a Type A power adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Guatemala. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Guatemala 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 120 volt supply.
- Start the process by plugging the Type A power adapter into the Guatemalan power outlet. This plug supply, sometimes known as a Type A power outlet [5], can be recognised by 2 slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral blades slide into.
- After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type A power adapter.
- Switch on the Guatemalan power outlet. You can now turn on your iron in Guatemala. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Guatemala
- Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
- iec.ch - Type B power outlet
- 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..
- iec.ch - Type A power outlet
- 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..
- 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.