How do I use a clothes iron in Ireland?

Irish power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Ireland:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Ireland but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Irish power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Ireland, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Ireland otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Ireland you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Ireland read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Ireland

Will my clothes iron work in Ireland?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Ireland. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your clothes iron in Ireland. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read the section on do you need a power converter to use your domestic clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Ireland power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with an Irish power outlet?

The frequency from an Irish power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the mains voltage in Ireland?

The normal residential voltage used in Ireland is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Ireland?

Type G power outlet

Which plug adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Ireland?

The type of power outlet used in Ireland is type G. You can recognise the power outlet by 3 slots in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground. A Type G plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Ireland, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Ireland. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Ireland with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on to Ireland?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Ireland 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 recommends wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons.

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

Power converters for Ireland

Do you need a converter to use a clothes iron in Ireland?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Ireland. Travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms a 230 volt Irish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Ireland. [5] [AD]

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

Instructions showing you how to power a clothes iron in Ireland by using a 3 pinned Type G travel charger.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Ireland; refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Ireland you'll need to use a Type G plug adapter [4]. The Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Ireland 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 supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the Irish power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 3 slots containing plastic shutters forming a triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Irish power outlet. The iron can now be used in Ireland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Ireland using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Irish page on wikipedia.org
  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.