Using your clothes iron in Netherlands

Dutch power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Netherlands:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a power adapter for Netherlands but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Dutch power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, 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 wall outlet used in Netherlands, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has a power adapter for Netherlands otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Netherlands you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Netherlands please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Netherlands

Will my clothes iron work in Netherlands?

This depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts as used in Netherlands. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in Netherlands. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on can you use a power converter with a domestic clothes iron in Netherlands for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Netherlands power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Netherlands?

The normal residential voltage in Netherlands is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a Dutch power outlet?

The frequency in a Dutch power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket (known as a Europlug) is identified by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular wall socket (also called the type F power outlet or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go, plus two grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Netherlands - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Netherlands with a plug adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Netherlands with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to Netherlands 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 suggests wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

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

Power converters for Netherlands

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter will convert a 230 volt Dutch power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Netherlands. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in Netherlands?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Netherlands. Travellers who want to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Netherlands using a two pronged Type C power charger.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply; if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons might typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please refer to the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Netherlands won't accomodate the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter will help fit plugs from other countries into a power outlet in Netherlands simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the Dutch power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Dutch power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the iron to use in Netherlands. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Netherlands using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Netherlands using a two pronged Type F travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if not then do not attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting; please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet which is used in Netherlands you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter helps adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet in Netherlands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type F plug adapter into the Dutch power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Dutch power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Netherlands using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Netherlands
  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.