Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Montenegro?

Montenegrin power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Montenegro:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Montenegro however 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 a 230 volt Montenegrin power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Montenegro, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for Montenegro otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Montenegro 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 Montenegro read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Montenegro

Will my clothes iron work in Montenegro?

That depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Montenegro:

Montenegro power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Montenegro?

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

What voltage is used in Montenegro?

The voltage in Montenegro is 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Montenegro?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Montenegro?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This round wall outlet (also called a type F power outlet or Schuko socket) can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go and grounding clips above and below.

A recommended travel adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Montenegro is a Type F plug adapter; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Montenegro using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your clothes iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other irons will feature a switch 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 Montenegro then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Montenegrin 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 Montenegrin power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Montenegro.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Montenegro or any other country.

Travelling to Montenegro with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Montenegro 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 suggests 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 greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Montenegro

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Montenegro, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Montenegrin power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for Montenegro to use my clothes iron?

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 Montenegro. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron, but it can be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Montenegro by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Montenegro won't take the plug of your clothes iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Montenegro simply 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 supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the Montenegrin power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Montenegrin power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Montenegro. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Montenegro using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your clothes iron in Montenegro by using a 2 pinned Type F power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions 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 make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please 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 Montenegro you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Montenegro simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the Montenegrin power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Montenegrin power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron to use in Montenegro. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Montenegro using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Montenegro
  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.