Which plug adapter do I need for using a clothes iron in Uruguay?

Uruguayan power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Uruguay:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Uruguay however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Uruguayan power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Uruguay, so please check that your power converter comes with the right power adapter for Uruguay otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Uruguay you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Uruguay read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Uruguay

Will my clothes iron work in Uruguay?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Uruguay. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Uruguay. 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 our section on can you use a voltage converter with a clothes iron in Uruguay for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Uruguay power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Uruguay?

The standard residential voltage used in Uruguay is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Uruguayan power outlet?

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

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

There are four different types of power outlets used in Uruguay, these are type F, C, I and L with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be identified by two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This round power outlet can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other and metal grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type I - You can identify this wall outlet by 3 thin slots forming a triangular pattern with a single vertical pin at the bottom and the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground.
  • Plug Type L - You can recognise the flattened hexagon shaped power outlet by 3 holes in a line. Please note there are two different types of Type L plug socket, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp power outlet has 4mm pins spaced 5.5mm apart and a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick round pins that are spaced 8mm apart.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Uruguay is a Type F power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Uruguay. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also have to use a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

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

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages 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 Uruguay then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Uruguayan 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 Uruguayan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Uruguay.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Uruguay or any other country.

Travelling to Uruguay with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on to Uruguay?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Uruguay 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 cables tightly around clothes irons.

If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Uruguay

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

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Uruguay. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing. [9] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Uruguay, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Uruguayan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Uruguay by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 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. Some irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Uruguay; refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Uruguay. This power adapter will fit plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Uruguay simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Uruguayan power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by the 2 holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron for use in Uruguay. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Uruguay using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your clothes iron in Uruguay by using a 2 pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure 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 continue as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Uruguay; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Uruguay. This power adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Uruguay simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other and grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet. The iron can now be used in Uruguay. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Uruguay using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Uruguay using a type L power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Uruguay by using a 3 pinned Type L travel charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type L plug adapter [8] if the shape of the power outlet used in Uruguay isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Uruguay simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type L plug adapter in the Uruguayan power outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped power supply (called a Type L power outlet [7]) can be identified by three circular holes in a line. There are two variations of Type L power outlet, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm thick pins spaced 5.5mm apart and a 16 amp version has larger 5mm pins that are spaced 8mm apart.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type L plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Uruguayan power outlet. The iron can now be used in Uruguay. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Uruguay using a type L power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Uruguay
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  8. Type L plug adapter - A Type L travel adapter is compatible with Italy's 10A and 16A grounded outlets and can also be used in other countries like Chile and Uruguay which use the Italian standard CEI 23-50..
  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.