How do I use my clothes iron in Cyprus?

Cypriot power outlet

Summary

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Cyprus 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 240 volt Cypriot 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 physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Cyprus, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the right power adapter for Cyprus otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 240 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Cyprus please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Cyprus

Will my clothes iron work in Cyprus?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 240 volts as used in Cyprus. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 240 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Cyprus. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your clothes iron in Cyprus for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Cyprus power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Cyprus?

The residential voltage in Cyprus is 240 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Cypriot power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Cypriot power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Cyprus?

Type G power outlet

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Cyprus?

Type G power outlets are used in Cyprus. You can recognise this plug outlet by the three vertical holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground. A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 240 volt clothes iron in Cyprus is a Type G plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Cyprus using a travel adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you have to bring a power converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Cyprus then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Cypriot 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 240 volts used in a Cypriot power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Cyprus.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Cyprus or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Cyprus with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in hand luggage?

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 your airline that is taking you to Cyprus will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you do 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.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Cyprus

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Cyprus?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Cyprus?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Cyprus, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 240 volts from a Cypriot power outlet to work with a non-240 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

Can you use a clothes iron with a converter for Cyprus?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Cyprus. Travellers who wish to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could 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 heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Cyprus using a type G power adapter

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Cyprus using a three pronged Type G power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 240 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 240 volts, consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type G plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Cyprus. The Type G plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Cyprus simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type G plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the 3 vertical holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Cypriot power outlet. You can now switch on the iron to use in Cyprus. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Cyprus using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Cyprus Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.