Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Portugal?

Portuguese power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Portugal:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Portugal 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 Portuguese power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Portugal, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Portugal otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Portugal you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Portugal please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Portugal

Will my clothes iron work in Portugal?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Portugal. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in Portugal. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Portugal power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Portugal?

The frequency of the current found in a Portuguese power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Portugal?

The common voltage in Portugal is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Portugal?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Portugal?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug outlet, also known as the Europlug, can be identified by 2 holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this power socket by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm next to each other along with two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Portugal is a Type F plug adapter - read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Portugal. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might 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?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Portugal then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Portuguese 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 Portuguese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Portugal.
  • 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 Portugal or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Portugal 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 carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Portugal will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping wires tightly around clothes irons. 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 Portugal

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Portuguese power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Portugal. [7] [AD]

Can you use a clothes iron with a power converter in Portugal?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Portugal. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Portugal with a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might 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 ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Portugal; please consult the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Portugal you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Portugal simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter in the Portuguese power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the two pins go.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Portuguese power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Portugal. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Portugal using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Portugal with a 2 prong Type F travel charger.

  1. Please ensure 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 attempt these instructions because you might 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 ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Portugal; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet used in Portugal doesn't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Portugal 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. First you'll need to plug in the Type F plug adapter into the Portuguese power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm next to each other and two thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Portuguese power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Portugal. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Portugal using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Portugal 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.