Which travel adapter will I need to use a clothes iron in Iran?

Iranian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Iran:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Iran but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with an 220 volt Iranian power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Iran, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for Iran otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Iran you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Iran please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Iran

Will my clothes iron work in Iran?

That depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts used in Iran. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you can use your clothes iron in Iran. If not then you will need to consider buying either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our guide on will a power converter work with your domestic clothes iron in Iran for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Iran power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Iran?

The common residential voltage used in Iran is 220 volts.

What is the frequency used in Iran?

The frequency of the current from an Iranian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Iran?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Iran?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug socket by 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This circular plug socket, technically called a Schuko socket, can be recognised by the two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Iran is a Type F power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Iran using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models will change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Iran then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Iranian 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 220 volts used in an Iranian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Iran.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Iran or any other country.

Travelling to Iran with a clothes iron

Can you pack a clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Iran 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 electric items such as clothes irons. If you 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 provides the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Iran

Do I need a voltage converter in Iran to use a clothes iron?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Iran. Travellers who want to bring along their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from an Iranian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Iran. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use your clothes iron in Iran with a Type C power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Iran. The Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Iran simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 2 holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iranian power outlet. You can now turn on your iron to use in Iran. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Iran using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Iran by using a two pin Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Iran. This Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Iran 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. This circular plug outlet, sometimes called a Schuko outlet, can be recognised by the two large round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Iranian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Iran. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Iran using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about Iran
  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.