How to use your clothes iron in Kiribati

Kiribati power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Kiribati:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Kiribati 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 240 volt Kiribati power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Kiribati, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for Kiribati otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Kiribati you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Kiribati read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Kiribati

Will my clothes iron work in Kiribati?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 240 volt power outlets in Kiribati. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 240 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Kiribati. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Kiribati power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Kiribati?

The standard residential voltage used in Kiribati is 240 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Kiribati?

The frequency of the current used in a Kiribati power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Kiribati?

Type I power outlets are used in Kiribati. You can identify this wall outlet by 3 thin slots for the live, neutral and ground. A Type I power adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt clothes iron in Kiribati, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Kiribati. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Kiribati?

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 can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Kiribati then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Kiribati power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage clothes iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 240 volts used in a Kiribati power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Kiribati.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Kiribati or any other country.

Travelling to Kiribati with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on hand luggage to Kiribati?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Kiribati 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 suggests wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. 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 knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Kiribati

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 240 volt Kiribati power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Kiribati. [5] [AD]

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

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 240 volt power outlet used in Kiribati. Travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be considerably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Kiribati using a type I power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in Kiribati with a three pin Type I travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting for use in Kiribati, please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type I plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Kiribati. This Type I plug adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Kiribati by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type I plug adapter and plugging it into the Kiribati power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 3 slots in an upside-down triangle shape with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth blades.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kiribati power outlet. You can now switch on your iron to use in Kiribati. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kiribati using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Kiribati
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.