Which travel adapter will I need when using a clothes iron in Czech Republic?

Czech power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Czech Republic:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Czech Republic 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 Czech power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Czech Republic, so check that the power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Czech Republic otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Czech Republic you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Czech Republic read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Czech Republic

Will my clothes iron work in Czech Republic?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Czech Republic. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use it in Czech Republic. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in Czech Republic for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Czech Republic power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Czech Republic?

The residential voltage used in Czech Republic is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Czech power outlet?

The frequency found in a Czech power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Czech Republic?

Type C and E power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Czech Republic?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Czech Republic, these are type E and C with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify this plug socket by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes plus a metal grounding pin protruding in the top forming a triangular shape.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Czech Republic is a Type E power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Czech Republic. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

One way to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of the clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Czech Republic then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Czech power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Czech power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Czech Republic.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Czech Republic or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Czech Republic with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron to Czech Republic in your luggage?

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 verify that the airline that is taking you to Czech Republic will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Czech Republic

Do I need a converter in Czech Republic to use my clothes iron?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Czech Republic. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring along their own domestic clothes iron, but it could be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter?

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform a 230 volt Czech power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Czech Republic. [7] [AD]

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

A guide on how to power a clothes iron in Czech Republic with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Czech Republic, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Czech Republic you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Czech Republic by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the Czech power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by 2 circular adjacent holes.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Czech power outlet. The clothes iron is now ready to be used in Czech Republic. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Czech Republic using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Czech Republic using a type E power adapter

Instructions on how to power your clothes iron in Czech Republic using a 2 prong Type E travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Czech Republic isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. This Type E plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet in Czech Republic simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. This sunken circular plug supply can be identified by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go with a single long metal earth pin protruding from the top in a triangle pattern.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Czech power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in Czech Republic. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Czech Republic using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Czech wikipedia 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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.