Which plug adapter will I need when using a clothes iron in Liechtenstein?

Liechtenstein power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Liechtenstein:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Liechtenstein but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Liechtenstein power outlet, however this is significantly heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Liechtenstein, so check that the power converter includes the right power adapter for Liechtenstein otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Liechtenstein read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Liechtenstein

Will my clothes iron work in Liechtenstein?

That depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Liechtenstein:

Liechtenstein power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Liechtenstein power outlet?

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

What mains voltage is used in Liechtenstein?

Power outlets in Liechtenstein are 230 volts.

Which power adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Liechtenstein?

Type C and J power outlets

Which power adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Liechtenstein?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Liechtenstein, types J and C with the primary power outlets being type J:

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type J - You can identify this flattened hexagon shaped wall socket by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.

A recommended plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Liechtenstein is a Type J plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Liechtenstein with a plug adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltages depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Liechtenstein with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Liechtenstein will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests 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 provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Liechtenstein

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

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Liechtenstein. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own domestic clothes iron, however it can be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will transform a 230 volt Liechtenstein power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Liechtenstein. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Liechtenstein using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could 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 make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Liechtenstein; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Liechtenstein. This plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet found in Liechtenstein by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes called the Type C power outlet [3], is identified by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liechtenstein power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Liechtenstein. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Liechtenstein using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Liechtenstein using a type J power adapter

How to power your clothes iron in Liechtenstein using a Type J travel charger.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, consult the instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Liechtenstein you will need to use a Type J plug adapter [6]. This Type J plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Liechtenstein simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type J plug adapter into the Liechtenstein power outlet. This squashed hexagon shaped wall supply, technically called the Type J power outlet [5], can be identified by the 3 round holes in a triangular shape.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type J plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Liechtenstein power outlet.
  6. The iron is now ready for use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Liechtenstein using a type J power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Liechtenstein 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 J power outlet
  6. Type J plug adapter - This 3-pin Type J travel adapter adheres to the Swiss SN 441011 standard, offering grounded connectivity for safe electrical use in Switzerland and Liechtenstein..
  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.