How do I use my clothes iron in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Luxembourg:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need the correct power adapter for Luxembourg but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Luxembourg 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 physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Luxembourg, so check that your power converter includes the right power adapter for Luxembourg otherwise you will also need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Luxembourg please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Luxembourg

Will my clothes iron work in Luxembourg?

It depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volts which are used in Luxembourg. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use it in Luxembourg. If not then you will need to consider buying either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on can you use a power converter with a domestic clothes iron in Luxembourg for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Luxembourg power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Luxembourg?

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

What is the mains voltage in Luxembourg?

The standard voltage used in Luxembourg is 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Luxembourg?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Luxembourg?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this power socket by two holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the power outlet by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral along with a pair of metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Luxembourg - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Luxembourg. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle. This location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions 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 Luxembourg then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Luxembourg 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 Luxembourg power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Luxembourg.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Luxembourg or any other country.

Travelling to Luxembourg with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to Luxembourg will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Luxembourg

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, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Luxembourg, whereas a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 230 volt Luxembourg power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Do I need a power converter in Luxembourg to use a clothes iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Luxembourg. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

A guide showing how to power your clothes iron in Luxembourg by using a two pronged Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts to use in Luxembourg - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Luxembourg. The plug adapter will help adapt plugs from other countries for use in a power outlet used in Luxembourg 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 outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. The power supply (called the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is identified by two holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Luxembourg power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron for use in Luxembourg. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Luxembourg using a type C power adapter

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

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

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Luxembourg - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Luxembourg. The plug adapter is designed to fit plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet found in Luxembourg by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The recessed round power outlet (sometimes known as a Schuko plug) can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm adjacent to each other and two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Luxembourg power outlet. You can now switch on the iron for use in Luxembourg. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Luxembourg using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Luxembourg
  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.