Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Serbia?

Serbian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Serbia:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 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 correct power adapter for Serbia 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 a 230 volt Serbian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Serbia, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Serbia otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Serbia you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Serbia please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Serbia

Will my clothes iron work in Serbia?

That depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts used in Serbia:

Serbia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Serbia?

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

What voltage is used in Serbia?

The common residential voltage used in Serbia is 230 volts.

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the power outlet by two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular plug socket, also called a Schuko socket, can be recognised by two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm apart from each other for live and neutral, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.

A recommended plug adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Serbia is a Type F power adapter, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Serbia 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 check 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 and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can 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 230 volts used in Serbia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Serbian 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 Serbian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Serbia.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Serbia or any other country.

Travelling to Serbia with a clothes iron

Can you pack a clothes iron in your 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 Serbia 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 wires tightly around 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 greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Serbia

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?

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms a 230 volt Serbian power outlet to work with a non-230 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 fit into a power outlet in Serbia. [7] [AD]

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

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Serbia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Serbia by using a two prong Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts - refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. You will need to bring 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 Serbia. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Serbia 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. Start the process by plugging the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes known as the Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], is recognised by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Serbian power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Serbia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Serbia using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your clothes iron in Serbia with a Type F power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 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 230 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 Serbia. This Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Serbia 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 the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Serbian power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Serbian power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Serbia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Serbia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Serbian country 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.