Using a clothes iron in Barbuda
Summary
First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Barbuda:
- If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.
If not then either:
- Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Barbuda however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Barbudan power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Barbuda, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has a power adapter for Barbuda otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Using a clothes iron in Barbuda
Will my clothes iron work in Barbuda?
That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Barbuda. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you can use it in Barbuda. If not 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 Barbuda for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]
Barbuda power outlets and plug sockets
What is the mains voltage in Barbuda?
Power outlets in Barbuda are 230 volts.
What electrical frequency is used in a Barbudan power outlet?
The frequency in a Barbudan power outlet is 60Hz. [8]
Type A and B power outlets
Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Barbuda?
There are two different types of power outlets used in Barbuda, these are type B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:
- Plug Type A - You can identify the wall socket by two slots adjacent to each other.
- Plug Type B - The wall socket, also known as a type B power outlet, can be recognised by two slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
A recommended plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Barbuda is a Type B power adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Barbuda with a power adapter. Please note 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
Is my clothes iron dual voltage?
A simple way to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug of your clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button 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 230 volts used in Barbuda then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Barbudan 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 230 volts used in a Barbudan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Barbuda.
- A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Barbuda or any other country.
Travelling to Barbuda with a clothes iron
Can you carry on a clothes iron to Barbuda?
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 recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Barbuda 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 recommends wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons.
If you 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 knocks and drops during transit. [10] [11] [AD]
Power converters for Barbuda
Do I need a voltage converter to use my clothes iron in Barbuda?
The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Barbuda. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]
Voltage converter
What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Barbuda?
A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Barbuda, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Barbudan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Barbuda using a type B power adapter
A page showing how to power your clothes iron in Barbuda with a Type B travel charger.
- Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
- You'll need to bring a Type B power adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Barbuda. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Barbuda 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 230 volt supply.
- Start the process by plugging the Type B power adapter into the Barbudan power outlet. This plug supply (technically called the Type B power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 2 thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircle hole below for the longer grounded pin.
- After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type B power adapter.
- Switch on the Barbudan power outlet. You can now turn on your iron in Barbuda. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Barbuda using a type A power adapter
How to power your clothes iron in Barbuda using a three bladed Type A power adapter.
- Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
- Please check that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your clothes iron can work with a 230 volt power supply). If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Barbuda isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type A power adapter [6]. The Type A power adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Barbuda simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
- Firstly you'll need to plug the Type A power adapter in the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two slots where the live and neutral blades go.
- Plug in the clothes iron into the Type A power adapter.
- Switch on the Barbudan power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Barbuda. [AD]
See also
External links
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- Wikipedia - Barbudan Wikipedia web page
- 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 - Hard carry-on luggage features a tough outer shell to absorb impact and is recommended for transporting heat tools or fragile electronics in overhead bins..
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