How to use your clothes iron in Mauritius

Mauritian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Mauritius:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Mauritius however 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 230 volt Mauritian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter 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 Mauritius, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Mauritius otherwise you will need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Mauritius please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Mauritius

Will my clothes iron work in Mauritius?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Mauritius. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Mauritius. 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 will a voltage converter work with a clothes iron in Mauritius for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Mauritius power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Mauritian power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in Mauritius?

The standard residential voltage used in Mauritius is 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Mauritius?

Type C and G power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Mauritius?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug socket by the 2 holes next to each other where the two pins sit.
  • Plug Type G - The power outlet (called a type G power outlet) looks like three vertical rectangular holes in a triangle configuration.

A Type G plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Mauritius; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Mauritius. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 the plug of your clothes iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Mauritius then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Mauritian 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 230 volts used in a Mauritian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Mauritius.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Mauritius or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Mauritius with a clothes iron

Can I pack a clothes iron in my carry on to Mauritius?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Mauritius will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items.

If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Mauritius

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Mauritius. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [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 heavy and expensive power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Mauritian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Mauritius. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Mauritius with a Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Mauritius. This Type C plug adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Mauritius by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet can be identified by two circular adjacent holes.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Mauritian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron to use in Mauritius. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mauritius using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Mauritius using a type G power adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Mauritius with a Type G power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; 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 ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Mauritius; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Mauritius you'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [6]. The Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Mauritius by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type G plug adapter and plugging it into the Mauritian power outlet. The plug outlet (called a Type G power outlet [5]) looks like three vertical rectangular holes in a triangle configuration.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Mauritian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron to use in Mauritius. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Mauritius using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Mauritius
  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 G power outlet
  6. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  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.