Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Jamaica?

Jamaican power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in Jamaica:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 110 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 Jamaica but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Jamaican power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Jamaica, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Jamaica otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 110 volts used in Jamaica you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Jamaica check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Jamaica

Will my clothes iron work in Jamaica?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 110 volts used in Jamaica. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 110 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Jamaica. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your clothes iron in Jamaica for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Jamaica power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Jamaica?

Power outlets in Jamaica are 110 volts.

What frequency is used in Jamaica?

The frequency of the current in a Jamaican power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Jamaica?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Jamaica?

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

  • Plug Type A - The wall socket (also known as the type A power outlet) can be recognised by the 2 slots adjacent to each other where the two plug socket pins sit.
  • Plug Type B - This wall socket (technically known as a type B power outlet) can be recognised by 2 slots parallel to each other where the blades go with a single semicircle hole below for the earth pin.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 110 volt clothes iron in Jamaica is a Type B plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Jamaica. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

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 can accept 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 could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 110 volts used in Jamaica then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Jamaican 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 110 volts used in a Jamaican power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Jamaica.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Jamaica or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Jamaica with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Jamaica 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 suggests 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 use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Jamaica

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 Jamaica, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 110 volts from a Jamaican power outlet to work with a non-110 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use my clothes iron with a power converter for Jamaica?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 110 volt power outlet used in Jamaica. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Jamaica with a 3 pin Type B power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 110 volts - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Jamaica you'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. The Type B plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Jamaica 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 110 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type B plug adapter in the Jamaican power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes called the Type B power outlet [3], can be recognised by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the grounded pin.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Jamaican power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Jamaica. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Jamaica using a type B power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Jamaica using a Type A power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 110 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 110 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes 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 still check that your clothes iron will work with a 110 volt power supply). If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Jamaica isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. The power adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Jamaica by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type A plug adapter into the Jamaican power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [5], can be identified by the two 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 Jamaican power outlet. Your clothes iron should now be ready to be used in Jamaica. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Jamaica using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Jamaican country entry on wikipedia
  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.