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Burns from domestic electric irons are a potentially preventable injury which can result in considerable morbidity. Surface temperatures of electric irons can reach in excess of 200 ̊C, meaning that contact for even brief periods can cause a significant thermal injury. Several previous studies have described contact burns from irons in paediatric populations 7 and have discussed various methods of preventing these injuries. Despite educational campaigns, the incidence and pattern of this type of injury does not appear to be changing significantly and therefore more attention is now being focussed on safety modifications of the appliances. Although studies to date have been limited to iron burns in children, this type of injury can also be seen in adults. This study describes 50 consecutive adult and paediatric patients who were treated for injuries sustained due to contact with an electric iron. We aim to describe the different pattern of injuries in adults and children as well as reviewing contributing factors and the treatment and outcome of these patients.