How do I use a clothes iron in Guernsey?

Guernsey power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Guernsey:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Guernsey but 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 Guernsey power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Guernsey, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Guernsey otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Guernsey you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Guernsey please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Guernsey

Will my clothes iron work in Guernsey?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Guernsey. 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 should be able to use your clothes iron in Guernsey. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your domestic clothes iron in Guernsey for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Guernsey power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Guernsey?

Power outlets in Guernsey are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Guernsey power outlet?

The frequency from a Guernsey power outlet is 50Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Guernsey?

The type of power outlet used in Guernsey is type G. This power socket, technically called a type G power outlet, can be identified by 3 rectangular holes with shutters forming a triangle configuration. A Type G power adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Guernsey; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Guernsey. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Guernsey?

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 handle, base or the plug. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Guernsey with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my carry on luggage?

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 also recommends that you should check that your airline who is flying you to Guernsey will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. 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 provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Guernsey

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

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Guernsey. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase 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 for travelling. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Guernsey, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Guernsey power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

A guide showing you how to use your clothes iron in Guernsey by using a Type G power adapter.

  1. 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 continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Guernsey isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4]. This Type G plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Guernsey simply 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. Plug in the Type G plug adapter in the Guernsey power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by three vertical slots containing plastic shutters in a triangle pattern.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Guernsey power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron in Guernsey. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Guernsey using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Guernsey country Wiki page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.