Which plug adapter do I need for using a clothes iron in Poland?

Polish power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Poland:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Poland however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Polish power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier 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 Poland, so please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Poland otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Poland you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Poland read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Poland

Will my clothes iron work in Poland?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Poland:

Poland power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Polish power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in Poland?

The standard residential voltage used in Poland is 230 volts.

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

Type C and E power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be identified by two circular adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type E - This round power socket can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other and one metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangular pattern.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Poland is a Type E power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Poland. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

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 handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages 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 Poland then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Polish 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 Polish power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Poland.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Poland or any other country.

Travelling to Poland with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on to Poland?

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 suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Poland will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons. If you do intend to bring 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 knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Poland

Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in Poland?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Poland. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron, but it might be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [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 cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Poland, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Polish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing you how to power a clothes iron in Poland by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the owners manual for more information on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Poland you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Poland 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. Start by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Polish power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Poland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Poland using a type C power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power your clothes iron in Poland with a Type E power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Poland; refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Poland isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Poland 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. Start the process by plugging the Type E plug adapter in the Polish power outlet. The recessed circular power outlet, also called a Type E power outlet [5] or CEE 7/7 outlet, can be recognised by the two 4.8mm round holes 19mm apart from each other plus a single long metal grounding 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 Polish power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the iron in Poland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Poland using a type E power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Polish 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.