Which plug adapter do I need to use a clothes iron in Slovakia?

Slovak power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Slovakia:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Slovakia but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Slovak power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier 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 Slovakia, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Slovakia 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 a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Slovakia read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Slovakia

Will my clothes iron work in Slovakia?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Slovakia. 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 Slovakia. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our section on will a power converter work with your domestic clothes iron in Slovakia for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Slovakia power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Slovak power outlet?

The frequency from a Slovak power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Slovakia?

The normal residential voltage used in Slovakia is 230 volts.

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

Type C and E power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - The recessed circular power socket (called a CEE 7/7 socket or type E power outlet) can be recognised by the two large circular adjacent holes and one metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangular pattern.

A Type E plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Slovakia; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Slovakia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Slovakia

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, handle or base of the clothes iron. 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 can change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Slovakia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Slovak power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Slovak power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Slovakia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Slovakia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Slovakia with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on to Slovakia?

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 Slovakia 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 most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Slovakia

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Slovakia. 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]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [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 small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Slovakia, however an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Slovak power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Slovakia by using a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  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 Slovakia; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Slovakia you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet in Slovakia by changing the shape of the plug, but it 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 wall outlet. This wall supply (called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3]) is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Slovak power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Slovakia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Slovakia using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Slovakia using a type E power adapter

How to use your clothes iron in Slovakia by using a 2 pinned Type E travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. 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 - please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Slovakia. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Slovakia 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 outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type E plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm round holes 19mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with a metal earth pin protruding in the top in a triangle configuration.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Slovak power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Slovakia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Slovakia using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Slovak page on wikipedia.org
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  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.