Using your clothes iron in Macedonia

Macedonian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Macedonia:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Macedonia 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 Macedonian power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Macedonia, so check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Macedonia otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Macedonia you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Macedonia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Macedonia

Will my clothes iron work in Macedonia?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Macedonia:

Macedonia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Macedonia?

The common residential voltage in Macedonia is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Macedonia?

The frequency of the current from a Macedonian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power outlet by the two round holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round plug outlet, technically called the Schuko socket, can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Macedonia is a Type F plug adapter, read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Macedonia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power 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 the plug. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Macedonia with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron to Macedonia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Macedonia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Macedonia

Do you need a voltage converter for Macedonia to use a clothes iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Macedonia. Travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Macedonian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Macedonia. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use a clothes iron in Macedonia using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Macedonia, consult the user guide to find out where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Macedonia. The Type C plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Macedonia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two holes adjacent to each other.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Macedonian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Macedonia using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Macedonia with a 2 pronged Type F power adapter.

  1. 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 continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, please refer to the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Macedonia won't accomodate the plug shape on your clothes iron. The Type F plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Macedonia by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two large holes 19 mm adjacent to each other and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Macedonian power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Macedonia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Macedonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Macedonia 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 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.