ELECTRIC FLAT IRON

1882 – Henry W. Seely invented and patented the first electric pressing
iron. The invention was named as the “electric flatiron.”

The first irons manufactured, used a carbon arc to

create the heat needed by passing a current across carbon arc electrodes.
1892,- Electrical resistance used to heat the soleplate.

1920’s, – First irons with a thermostat to regulate the temperature.

1939 – E.P.Schreyer patents the iron steam chamber.

1950’s  – Thomas Sears invented the steam iron however.

Electric iron is an important domestic appliance. We use iron to press clothes. Ironing removes
wrinkles in fabric and it requires heat. When the fabric is heated, it becomes soft and mobile and
then by applying pressure it can be given preferred orientation which is retained when the fabric is
cool. Ironing of different types of fabrics like nylon, rayon, silk, wool, cotton, linen etc require different
temperatures
 Categories of Electric Irons

1. Non automatic iron – there is no provision for controlling or regulating temperature.

–       When the iron is too hot, it is to be manually switched off and when the temperature is less
than required, it is to be switched on manually.

2. Automatic iron –  it use a  thermostat to regulate temperature.

3. Steam iron – There is a water reservoir on the cover plate and a steam chamber above the sole
plate and the sole plate has slots.

–       As the iron is switched on heat produced by the heating element boils the water and steam is
produced. The steam gets emitted from the slots of the sole plate ensuring better quality ironing.

Exterior Parts of Steam Iron

1. Signal lamp – light showing that the flatiron is on.

2. Heel rest – part upon which the iron rests while not in use.
3. Temperature control – device for regulating the iron’s temperature.
4. Soleplate – flat metal part that presses the fabric, with holes through which the steam
escapes.
5. Spray control – device regulating the flow of steam.
6. Cord – flexible electric wire connecting the appliance to the electric outlet.
7. Vertical cord lift – Part keeping a section of the cord in an upright position in order to free up
the ironing surface.
8. Shell or body – casing covering and protecting the various working elements of the flatiron.
9. Fabric guide – table showing the appropriate iron temperature for each type of fabric.
10. Spray button – button for switching between steam and dry ironing.
11. Spray head  – device for turning water into mist to dampen the fabric.
12. Fill opening – where water enters to fill the reservoir.
13. Front tip – pointed part of the soleplate use to reach edges of the fabric.
14. Water level tube – it shows how much water the iron has.
15. Handle – allows a user to handle the iron without being burned.

Interior Parts of Steam Iron

1. Heating Element – convert the electrical current to heat, and this heat gets transferred to the
sole plate.
2. Vaporizer – can be any heating mechanism that heats the water, turning it into steam. The
steam then travels through the interior channel and out the air openings onto the hair.
3. Thermostats – let a user control the sole plate temperature. The thermostat is a device which
makes and breaks the connection between two points depending on temperature. It is like an
automatic on off switch.

2. Water Reservoir – holds the water that will be turned into steam. The water reservoir
requires distilled water; otherwise the reservoir can be damaged or get dirty.