How to use your clothes iron in England
Summary
Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in England:
- If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter for England listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.
If not then you can either:
- Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for England however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt British power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in England, therefore please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for England otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Using a clothes iron in England
Will my clothes iron work in England?
This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in England:
- If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in England.
- If not then then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our section on do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]
England power outlets and plug sockets
What is the frequency used in a British power outlet?
The frequency from a British power outlet is 50Hz. [6]
What is the mains voltage in England?
The voltage in England is 230 volts.
Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in England?
The type of power outlet used in England is type G. You can recognise the power outlet by three vertical rectangular slots with shutters forming a triangular configuration for live, neutral and ground. A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in England; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in England. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a power converter. [4] [7] [AD]
Dual voltage travel irons
How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?
A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in England then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a British 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 230 volts used in a British power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in England.
- A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in England or any other country.
Travelling to England with a clothes iron
Can you pack a clothes iron in your carry on?
According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to England will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.
If you 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit. [8] [9] [AD]
Power converters for England
Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in England?
A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in England. Travellers who want to bring their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is considerably heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]
What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?
An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt British power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in England. [5] [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in England using a type G power adapter
How to use your clothes iron in England by using a 3 prong Type G travel adapter.
- Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some irons might usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
- You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in England. This Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in England by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
- First plug the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug outlet (technically known as the Type G power outlet [3]) can be identified by three vertical slots with shutters forming a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins.
- Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
- Switch on the British power outlet. You can now switch on your iron for use in England. [AD]
See also
- What can I connect to a British power outlet?
- What can I connect to a clothes iron?
- Can I charge my phone in Europe?
- Can I use my phone in Europe?
- Do I need a converter for my phone in Europe?
- Will my phone charger work in Europe?
- What are the dangers of using the wrong mobile phone charger in Europe?
- What do I need to charge my phone in Europe?
- How to call the US from Europe
- Which electrical outlets are used in Europe?
- Can I use my hairdryer in Europe?
- Can I use my hair straighteners in Europe?
- What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Europe?
- How to travel Europe by train
- How much is a Europass?
- Can I buy Rail Europe tickets at the station?
- Can I buy a rail pass in Europe?
- Can I buy Eurostar tickets on the station?
- Where can I buy Euros from?
- What denominations do Euros come in?
- Can I buy Euros at any bank?
- How do I convert dollars to Euros?
- Can I buy Euros with a credit card?
- Does Sweden use the Euro?
- Does the United Kingdom use the Euro?
- Does Denmark use the Euro?
- How long can an American stay in Europe for?
- Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
- What is the most spoken language in Europe?
- How many different languages are spoken in Europe?
- How many countries are there in Europe?
- What countries are in Eastern Europe?
- What countries are in Western Europe?
- What is Northern Europe?
- What countries are not in the European Union?
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - England Wikipedia web page
- Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
- iec.ch - Type G power outlet
- Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
2 other devices in this category | |
Connecting a British power outlet to: |
|