How do I use my clothes iron in Wales?

Welsh power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in Wales:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Wales but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Welsh power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter 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 Wales, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Wales otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Wales please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Wales

Will my clothes iron work in Wales?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Wales:

Wales power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Wales?

Power outlets in Wales are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Wales?

The frequency of the current used in a Welsh power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Wales?

The type of power outlet used in Wales is type G. You can recognise the wall socket by the 3 vertical slots forming a triangular configuration. A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Wales is a Type G plug adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Wales. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Wales?

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 can accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Wales with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron in my luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Wales will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Wales

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will transform a 230 volt Welsh power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however 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 Wales. [5] [AD]

Can I use a clothes iron with a power converter for Wales?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Wales. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Wales using a type G power adapter

How to power your clothes iron in Wales using a Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Wales. This plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Wales simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type G plug adapter into the Welsh power outlet. This wall outlet, technically called the Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by three holes with shutters forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Welsh power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron in Wales. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Wales using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Wales
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.