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

Croatian power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Croatia:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) 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 the right power adapter for Croatia however 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 Croatian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Croatia, so check that your power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Croatia otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Croatia you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before using your clothes iron in Croatia please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Croatia

Will my clothes iron work in Croatia?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts used in Croatia:

Croatia power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Croatian power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in Croatia?

Power outlets in Croatia are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Croatia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Croatia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the twin pins go.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the power outlet by the two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the live and neutral pins go along with two grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Croatia - read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Croatia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage 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 or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Croatia 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 hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is flying you to Croatia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping cables 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 most protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Croatia

Do I need a voltage converter in Croatia to use my clothes iron?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Croatia. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be considerably less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably 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 converter and a plug adapter?

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Croatia, but a heavy and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Croatian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Croatia using a two pronged Type C power 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 don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Croatia - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Croatia you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter helps fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Croatia 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 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the Croatian power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by the 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral pins go.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Croatian power outlet.
  6. The iron should now be ready to use. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Croatia using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Croatia using a two pronged Type F travel 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 continue because you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Croatia - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on where this switch is.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Croatia you'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Croatia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the Croatian power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm apart from each other and two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Croatian power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Croatia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Croatian Wikipedia web page
  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.