How to use a clothes iron in Greece

Greek power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Greece:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Greece but 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 230 volt Greek power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Greece, therefore check that your power converter includes the correct power adapter for Greece otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Greece check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Greece

Will my clothes iron work in Greece?

It depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Greece:

Greece power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Greece?

Power outlets in Greece are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Greece?

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

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Greece?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Greece?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this power socket by two large circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins sit, plus thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Greece is a Type F power adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Greece. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Greece then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Greek 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 Greek power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Greece.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Greece or any other country.

Travelling to Greece with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Greece will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices 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 advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Greece

Do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron in Greece?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Greece. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Greek power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Greece. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Greece with a 2 prong Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; but if not then don't continue as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Greece - refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Greece you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Greece by changing the shape of the plug, but 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 C plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet can be recognised by the two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greek power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Greece. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Greece using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing you how to use a clothes iron in Greece with a two pronged Type F travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Greece doesn't take the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Greece 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. Insert the Type F plug adapter into the Greek power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins along with thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greek power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Greece. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Greece using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Greek Wikipedia web 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.