Which travel adapter will I need for using a clothes iron in New Caledonia?

New Caledonian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in New Caledonia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for New Caledonia however 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 220 volt New Caledonian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in New Caledonia, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for New Caledonia otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Note that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in New Caledonia please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in New Caledonia

Will my clothes iron work in New Caledonia?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volts used in New Caledonia:

New Caledonia power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in New Caledonia?

The residential voltage used in New Caledonia is 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a New Caledonian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a New Caledonian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in New Caledonia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in New Caledonia?

There are two different types of power outlets used in New Caledonia, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular plug outlet can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm apart from each other along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in New Caledonia, read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in New Caledonia with a travel adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

One way 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 of the clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in New Caledonia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a New Caledonian 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 220 volts used in a New Caledonian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in New Caledonia.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in New Caledonia or any other country.

Travelling to New Caledonia with a clothes iron

Can I take a clothes iron in my carry on luggage to New Caledonia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to New Caledonia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping wires tightly around clothes irons. If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for New Caledonia

Can you use a clothes iron with a voltage converter in New Caledonia?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in New Caledonia. Travellers who want to bring along their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a New Caledonian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in New Caledonia. [7] [AD]

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

A guide on how to power a clothes iron in New Caledonia with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure 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 as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in New Caledonia you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in New Caledonia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. The power supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the New Caledonian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in New Caledonia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in New Caledonia using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in New Caledonia with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in New Caledonia you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in New Caledonia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter into the New Caledonian power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go along with a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the New Caledonian power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in New Caledonia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in New Caledonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - New Caledonia Wikipedia web page
  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 F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  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.