Which plug adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Colombia?

Colombian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Colombia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Colombia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 110 volt Colombian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Colombia, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the correct power adapter for Colombia otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 110 volts used in Colombia you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Colombia check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Colombia

Will my clothes iron work in Colombia?

It depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 110 volts as used in Colombia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 110 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the clothes iron in Colombia. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Colombia power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Colombia?

The frequency of the current used in a Colombian power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

What voltage is used in Colombia?

The standard voltage in Colombia is 110 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Colombia?

Type A and B power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Colombia?

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

  • Plug Type A - This unearthed plug socket, also known as a type A power outlet, is identified by the two adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type B - This plug outlet, also known as a type B power outlet, is identified by the two slots parallel to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the long ground pin.

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

Plug adapters for Colombia

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron will support a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. The 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 can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Colombia with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your carry on luggage to Colombia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Colombia 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 electric items such as clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Colombia

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 110 volt Colombian power outlet to work with a non-110 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Colombia. [7] [AD]

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

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Colombia. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to bring along their own clothes iron, however it can be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Colombia using a Type B travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts for use in Colombia - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Colombia you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter helps convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Colombia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type B plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a single hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Colombian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Colombia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Colombia using a type B power adapter

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

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

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply; if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 110 volts for use in Colombia - refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. These instructions assume 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 please check that your clothes iron will work with a 110 volt power outlet). So, if the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Colombia you'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [6]. The Type A plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Colombia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two thin slots for live and neutral blades.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Colombian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Colombia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Colombia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Colombia Wikipedia page
  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.