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

Aruban power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in Aruba:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 127 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 an appropriate power adapter for Aruba 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 an 127 volt Aruban power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier 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 Aruba, therefore please check that the voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Aruba otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in a suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 127 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Aruba please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Aruba

Will my clothes iron work in Aruba?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 127 volts used in Aruba:

Aruba power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Aruba?

Power outlets in Aruba are 127 volts.

What frequency is used in Aruba?

The frequency of the current used in an Aruban power outlet is 60 Hz. [10]

Which travel adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Aruba?

Type A, B and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Aruba?

There are three different types of power outlets used in Aruba, types F, A and B with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • 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 socket (also known as a type B power outlet) can be recognised by the 2 slots next to each other where the twin blades go with a single hole below for the earthed pin.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and two grounding clips above and below.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 127 volt clothes iron in Aruba is a Type F plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Aruba. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [11] [AD]

Plug adapters for Aruba

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your 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, handle or the base. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons 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 127 volts used in Aruba then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Aruban 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 127 volts used in an Aruban power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Aruba.
  • 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 Aruba or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Aruba 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 your airline which is flying you to Aruba 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 electric items such as clothes irons. If you do intend to pack 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.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Aruba

Can I use a clothes iron with a power converter for Aruba?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Aruba. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [9] [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 Aruba, whereas an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms the voltage of 127 volts from an Aruban power outlet to work with a non-127 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

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

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts - 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 shape as the outlet used in Aruba you'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Aruba 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 127 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug supply (known as the Type B power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 2 slots parallel to each other with a single semicircular hole below for the slightly long earth pin.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Aruban power outlet. You can now turn on your iron for use in Aruba. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Aruba using a type B power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Aruba with a 2 prong Type F power charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 127 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Aruba won't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Aruba 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 127 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. The sunken round power outlet can be recognised by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes where the twin pins go 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. Turn on the Aruban power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron should now be ready for use in Aruba. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Aruba using a type F power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Aruba with a three prong Type A travel charger.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 127 volts - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. This guide assumes 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 still check that your clothes iron will work with a 127 volt power supply). So, if the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Aruba you'll need to use a Type A plug adapter [8]. The Type A plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Aruba 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 127 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly plug the Type A plug adapter in the power outlet. This plug outlet (called the Type A power outlet [7]) 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 Aruban power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Aruba. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Aruba using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Aruba
  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 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 A power outlet
  8. 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..
  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.