How do I use my clothes iron in Wales?

Summary
Check that your clothes iron can work in Wales:
- If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.
If not then either:
- Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a suitable power adapter for Wales but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
- Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Welsh power outlet, however this is significantly 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 power outlet used in Wales, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Wales otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Using a clothes iron in Wales
Will my clothes iron work in Wales?
This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Wales:
- If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Wales.
- If not then then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use a clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]
Wales power outlets and plug sockets
What is the voltage in Wales?
Power outlets in Wales are 230 volts.
What frequency is used in Wales?
The frequency of the current used in a Welsh power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]
Which travel adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Wales?
The type of power outlet used in Wales is type G. You can recognise the wall socket by the 3 vertical slots forming a triangular configuration. A suitable plug adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Wales is a Type G power adapter, read the step-by-step guide below for full details of using a power adapter for Wales. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter. [4] [7] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons
How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can accept dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Wales then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Welsh 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 Welsh power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Wales.
- A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Wales or any other country.
Travelling to Wales with a clothes iron
Can I carry on a clothes iron in my luggage?
According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to Wales will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables 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 use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit. [8] [9] [AD]
Power converters for Wales

Voltage converter
What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?
An expensive and bulky power converter will transform a 230 volt Welsh power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Wales. [5] [AD]
Can I use a clothes iron with a power converter for Wales?
A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Wales. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [5] [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Wales using a type G power adapter
How to power your clothes iron in Wales using a Type G travel adapter.
- Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
- You'll need to buy a Type G power adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Wales. This plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Wales 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 supply.
- Plug in the Type G power adapter into the Welsh power outlet. This wall outlet, technically called the Type G power outlet [3], can be identified by three holes with shutters forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and earth.
- Plug in your clothes iron into the Type G power adapter.
- Turn on the Welsh power outlet.
- You can now switch on your iron in Wales. [AD]

See also
- What can I connect to a Welsh power outlet?
- What can I connect to a clothes iron?
- Can I charge my phone in Europe?
- Can I use my phone in Europe?
- Do I need a converter for my phone in Europe?
- Will my phone charger work in Europe?
- What are the dangers of using the wrong mobile phone charger in Europe?
- How do I charge a phone in Europe?
- How to call the US from Europe
- What electrical outlets are used in Europe?
- Can I use my hairdryer in Europe?
- Will my flat iron work in Europe?
- What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Europe?
- How to travel Europe by train
- How much is a Europass?
- Can I buy Rail Europe tickets at the station?
- Can I buy a rail pass in Europe?
- Can I buy Eurostar tickets on the station?
- Where can I buy Euros from?
- What denominations do Euros come in?
- Can I buy Euros at any bank?
- How do I convert dollars to Euros?
- Can I buy Euros with a credit card?
- Does Sweden use the Euro?
- Does the United Kingdom use the Euro?
- Does Denmark use the Euro?
- How long can an American stay in Europe for?
- Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
- What is the most spoken language in Europe?
- How many different languages are spoken in Europe?
- How many countries are there in Europe?
- What countries are in Eastern Europe?
- What countries are in Western Europe?
- What is Northern Europe?
- What countries are not in the European Union?
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Wales
- Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
- iec.ch - Type G power outlet
- Type G power adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.