How to use your clothes iron in Martinique

Martinican power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Martinique:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Martinique but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Martinican power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Martinique, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Martinique otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Martinique please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Martinique

Will my clothes iron work in Martinique?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Martinique:

Martinique power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Martinique?

The voltage used in Martinique is 220 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Martinican power outlet?

The frequency from a Martinican power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Martinique?

Type C, D and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Martinique?

There are three types of power outlets used in Martinique, these are type D, C and E with the primary power outlets being type D:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type D - You can recognise the plug outlet by three round holes forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
  • Plug Type E - You can recognise the power outlet by two large circular adjacent holes for live and neutral and a long metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangular shape.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using a 220 volt clothes iron in Martinique is a Type D power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Martinique. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for Martinique

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Martinique then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Martinican 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 220 volts used in a Martinican power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Martinique.
  • 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 Martinique or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Martinique with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Martinique will allow clothes irons 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 electronic items.

If you intend to pack 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Martinique

Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in Martinique?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Martinique. Travellers who want to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter converts a 220 volt Martinican power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Martinique. [9] [AD]

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

A page on how to power a clothes iron in Martinique with a Type C power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts; refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Martinique. The Type C plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Martinique by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the Martinican power outlet. This unearthed wall supply (known as the Europlug) can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Martinican power outlet. The iron should now be ready for use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Martinique using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Martinique using a type D power adapter

A page on how to power a clothes iron in Martinique with a Type D power charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to use a Type D plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Martinique. This Type D plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Martinique by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First plug the Type D plug adapter in the Martinican power outlet. The plug supply (technically known as a Type D power outlet [5]) can be identified by the three circular holes in a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type D plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Martinican power outlet. The iron should now be ready for use in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Martinique using a type D power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Martinique using a type E power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in Martinique by using a 2 prong Type E travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Martinique, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Martinique you'll need to use a Type E plug adapter [8]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Martinique simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. This sunken circular plug supply, also called the Type E power outlet [7] or CEE 7/7 outlet, can be recognised by the two adjacent holes plus a metal grounding pin protruding from the top in a triangle shape.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Martinican power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Martinique. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Martinique using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Martinique
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug 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..
  5. iec.ch - Type D power outlet
  6. Type D plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type D electrical adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.