How do I use my clothes iron in American Samoa?

American Samoan power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in American Samoa:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for American Samoa however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with an 120 volt American Samoan power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in American Samoa, so check that your power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for American Samoa otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Note that your own existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [11] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 120 volts used in American Samoa 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 American Samoa check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in American Samoa

Will my clothes iron work in American Samoa?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 120 volts as used in American Samoa:

American Samoa power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in American Samoa?

The residential voltage in American Samoa is 120 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in an American Samoan power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current used in an American Samoan power outlet is 60 Hz. [12]

Which power adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in American Samoa?

There are four different types of power outlets used in American Samoa, types I, A, B and F with the primary power outlets being type I:

  • Plug Type A - You can identify the power socket by the two adjacent slots for live and neutral blades.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two slots next to each other where the plug socket blades sit with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this plug outlet by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type I - You can recognise this plug outlet by the 3 thin slots in a triangle pattern with a single vertical pin at the base and the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and earth.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 120 volt clothes iron in American Samoa is a Type I plug adapter, read the simple instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in American Samoa using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also have to bring a power converter.  [8] [13] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in American Samoa?

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of your clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 120 volts used in American Samoa then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an American Samoan 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 120 volts used in an American Samoan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in American Samoa.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in American Samoa or any other country.

Travelling to American Samoa with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your 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 recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to American Samoa will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [14] [15] [AD]

Power converters for American Samoa

Do you need a power converter in American Samoa to use your clothes iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 120 volt power outlet used in American Samoa. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic clothes iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is also considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [11] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 120 volt American Samoan power outlet to work with a non-120 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in American Samoa. [11] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use your clothes iron in American Samoa with a 3 pronged Type B power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 120 volts to use in American Samoa - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in American Samoa you'll need to bring a Type B plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in American Samoa by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type B plug adapter into the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [3], can be recognised by 2 thin slots parallel to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in American Samoa using a type B power adapter

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

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in American Samoa with a 2 pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 120 volt setting to use in American Samoa - consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in American Samoa isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in American Samoa 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 120 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. This sunken round plug supply can be recognised by two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the American Samoan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron for use in American Samoa. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in American Samoa using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in American Samoa using a type I power adapter

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in American Samoa using a three pinned Type I power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 120 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 120 volts; please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type I plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in American Samoa. The power adapter will help convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in American Samoa simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 120 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type I plug adapter into the American Samoan power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the three slots forming an upside-down triangular configuration with the top pair of slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the American Samoan power outlet. The iron should now be ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in American Samoa using a type I power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in American Samoa using a Type A travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 120 volt power outlet - if not then do not proceed as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 120 volt setting to use in American Samoa - consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. Check that you don't already own 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 120 volt power outlet). You'll need to bring a Type A plug adapter [10] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in American Samoa. The Type A plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in American Samoa simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 120 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it into the American Samoan power outlet. This plug supply, technically called the Type A power outlet [9], is identified by the 2 thin slots next to each other.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the American Samoan power outlet. You can now switch on the iron for use in American Samoa. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in American Samoa using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - American Samoa Wikipedia page
  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 I power outlet
  8. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  9. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  10. 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..
  11. 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..
  12. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  13. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  14. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.