How do I use my clothes iron in Taiwan?

Taiwanese power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Taiwan:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Taiwan 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 Taiwanese power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Taiwan, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for Taiwan otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 110 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Taiwan read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Taiwan

Will my clothes iron work in Taiwan?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 110 volts used in Taiwan:

Taiwan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in a Taiwanese power outlet?

The frequency found in a Taiwanese power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Taiwan?

Power outlets in Taiwan are 110 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Taiwan?

Type A and B power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Taiwan?

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

  • Plug Type A - The wall outlet (also called the type A power outlet) is recognised by two thin adjacent slots next to each other.
  • Plug Type B - You can identify this plug socket by two thin slots next to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the earthed pin.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 110 volt clothes iron in Taiwan is a Type B power adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Taiwan using a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

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 supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Taiwan with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Taiwan 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 advices wrapping wires tightly around electronic items. If you 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 offers the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Taiwan

Do I need a converter to use my clothes iron in Taiwan?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 110 volt power outlet used in Taiwan. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Taiwan?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Taiwan?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Taiwan, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 110 volt Taiwanese power outlet to work with a non-110 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Taiwan with a 3 prong Type B travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting; consult the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Taiwan isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Taiwan simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 110 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type B plug adapter into the Taiwanese power outlet. The power supply, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 slots with a single hole below for the longer ground pin.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Taiwanese power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in Taiwan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Taiwan using a type B power adapter

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

Instructions on how to power your clothes iron in Taiwan using a 2 blade Type A travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 110 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 110 volt setting; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. Please check that you're 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). You will need to use a Type A plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Taiwan. This Type A plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Taiwan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 110 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type A plug adapter in the Taiwanese power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the two plug outlet blades go.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Taiwanese power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron in Taiwan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Taiwan using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Taiwan
  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.