Which travel adapter do I need to bring for using a clothes iron in Lithuania?

Lithuanian power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Lithuania:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Lithuania 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 Lithuanian power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Lithuania, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes a suitable power adapter for Lithuania otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk 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. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Lithuania read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Lithuania

Will my clothes iron work in Lithuania?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Lithuania:

Lithuania power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Lithuanian power outlet?

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

What voltage is used in Lithuania?

Power outlets in Lithuania are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Lithuania?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Lithuania?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the wall socket by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this wall socket by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Lithuania; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Lithuania. Please 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

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of the clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically, however other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages 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 Lithuania then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Lithuanian 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 Lithuanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Lithuania.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Lithuania or any other country.

Travelling to Lithuania with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Lithuania 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 clothes irons. If you intend to bring 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 knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Lithuania

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Lithuania?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Lithuania?

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Lithuania, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Lithuanian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use a clothes iron with a power converter for Lithuania?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Lithuania. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

A guide on how to power your clothes iron in Lithuania using a 2 pin Type C power charger.

  1. Make sure 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 don't proceed as you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Lithuania. This Type C plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Lithuania by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter in the Lithuanian power outlet. This plug outlet is recognised by two holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Lithuanian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lithuania using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Lithuania with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage irons will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Lithuania. This plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Lithuania 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 outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go along with a pair of two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Lithuanian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Lithuania. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Lithuania using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Lithuania
  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.