Which plug adapter will I need to bring for using a clothes iron in Suriname?

Surinamese power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Suriname:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Suriname however 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 127 volt Surinamese power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, 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 wall outlet used in Suriname, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the right power adapter for Suriname otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 127 volts used in Suriname you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Suriname read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Suriname

Will my clothes iron work in Suriname?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 127 volt power outlets used in Suriname:

Suriname power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in a Surinamese power outlet?

The frequency used in a Surinamese power outlet is 60Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Suriname?

Power outlets in Suriname are 127 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Suriname?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Suriname?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Suriname, types F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded plug outlet (technically called the Europlug) can be recognised by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken round plug outlet (also called a type F power outlet or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 127 volt clothes iron in Suriname is a Type F plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Suriname. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 127 volts used in Suriname then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Surinamese 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 127 volts used in a Surinamese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Suriname.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Suriname or any other country.

Travelling to Suriname with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron?

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 Suriname 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 recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Suriname

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Suriname?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Suriname?

An expensive and heavy power converter converts a 127 volt Surinamese power outlet to work with a non-127 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 Suriname. [7] [AD]

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 127 volt power outlet used in Suriname. Travellers who wish to bring along their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a travel clothes iron can be considerably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Suriname with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 127 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 127 volts for use in Suriname - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Suriname doesn't accomodate the plug shape of your clothes iron. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Suriname 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 127 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Surinamese power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Suriname. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Suriname using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Suriname by using a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 127 volt power supply - if not then do not proceed as you might 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 the switch is set to accept 127 volts, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Suriname. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Suriname 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. Insert the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. The sunken round plug supply (sometimes called a Type F power outlet [5] or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Surinamese power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron to use in Suriname. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Suriname using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Surinamese country Wiki page
  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 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. 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.