Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Liberia?

Liberian power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in Liberia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 240 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the right power adapter for Liberia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 240 volt Liberian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Liberia, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has an appropriate power adapter for Liberia otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [12] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 240 volts used in Liberia you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Liberia check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Liberia

Will my clothes iron work in Liberia?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 240 volts used in Liberia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Liberia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on will a voltage converter work with your clothes iron in Liberia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [12] [AD]

Liberia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Liberia?

Power outlets in Liberia are 240 volts.

What frequency is used in Liberia?

The frequency of the current in a Liberian power outlet is 50Hz. [13]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Liberia?

There are five different types of power outlets used in Liberia, types B, A,C, E and F with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - The power outlet, technically known as a type A power outlet, can be identified by the two slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - The wall outlet, technically called a type B power outlet, can be recognised by the two slots next to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the grounded pin.
  • Plug Type C - This plug socket (called the Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type E - The recessed round wall socket can be identified by the two large adjacent holes for live and neutral pins plus a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type F - The round plug outlet (known as a type F power outlet or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two round adjacent holes next to each other, plus thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type B plug adapter is suitable for powering a 240 volt clothes iron in Liberia, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Liberia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [14] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Liberia?
Buy a plug adapter for Liberia

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. This 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 will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Liberia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Liberian power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 240 volts used in a Liberian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Liberia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Liberia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Liberia with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron in my luggage?

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 suggests that you should verify that the airline which is flying you to Liberia 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 suggests wrapping wires tightly around clothes irons. If you do 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 drops and knocks during your journey.   [15] [16] [AD]

Power converters for Liberia

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

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Liberia. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing in luggage. [12] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Liberia, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 240 volts from a Liberian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [12] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Liberia using a Type B power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply; if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Liberia won't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter will convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Liberia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by inserting the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. The plug supply (known as the Type B power outlet [3]) is recognised by 2 slots parallel to each other where the blades go with a single semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet. The clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Liberia using a type B power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Liberia with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might 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 operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts to use in Liberia; please consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Liberia. The plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Liberia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the Liberian power outlet. You can recognise the wall supply by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liberian power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Liberia using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Liberia using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Liberia with a two prong Type E travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 240 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Liberia you'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [8]. This Type E plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Liberia 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 240 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type E plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by two large round holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins with a single metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Liberian power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Liberia using a type E power adapter

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

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Liberia by using a Type F travel charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may 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 make sure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting; please consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Liberia. This Type F plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Liberia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. The sunken round plug outlet can be recognised by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a pair of metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet. You can now switch on your iron in Liberia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Liberia using a type F power adapter

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

A guide on how to power your clothes iron in Liberia by using a Type A travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 240 volt power supply; but if not then don't continue because you may 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 make sure you have set it to the 240 volt setting; consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. Please check 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 240 volt power outlet). So, if the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Liberia you'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [11]. This Type A plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Liberia 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 240 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug in the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. This plug outlet (called the Type A power outlet [10]) can be recognised by the 2 slots next to each other where the twin blades go.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liberian power outlet. You can now turn on your iron in Liberia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Liberia using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Liberian country entry on wikipedia
  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 C power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  8. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  9. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  10. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  11. 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..
  12. 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..
  13. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  14. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  15. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  16. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.