How do I use a clothes iron in Israel?

Israeli power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Israel:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Israel 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 an 220 volt Israeli power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Israel, so please check that your voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Israel otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Israel read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Israel

Will my clothes iron work in Israel?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts as used in Israel:

Can I use my American clothes iron in Israel?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Israel and provide guidance for using your US clothes iron with an Israeli power outlet.

Israel power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Israel?

The frequency from an Israeli power outlet is 50Hz. [10]

What is the mains voltage in Israel?

Power outlets in Israel are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Israel?

Type C, H and M power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Israel?

There are three types of power outlets used in Israel, these are type H, C and M with the primary power supply being type H:

  • Plug Type H - The grounded power outlet, also called a type H power outlet, can be recognised by the three thin slots pointing inward in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins. You'll find more modern type H plug sockets also have round holes in the middle of each slot to accommodate the round pinned type C socket plugs, these can be found in almost 140 other countries. The most frequently found outlets in Israel are Type H electrical sockets. A Type C plug will also fit in a Type H power outlet.
  • Plug Type C - The plug socket, technically known as a type C socket or Europlug, is recognised by two round adjacent holes next to each other. Ungrounded Type C plugs can also fit into type H power outlets.
  • Plug Type M - You can recognise the power outlet by 3 large round holes forming a triangular shape. These outlets are less common in Israel and only typically used high wattage equipment.  [6] [11] [AD]
Plug adapters for Israel

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 supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Israel then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Israeli 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 220 volts used in an Israeli power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Israel.
  • 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 Israel or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Israel with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Israel will allow clothes irons 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 electronic items.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [12] [13] [AD]

Power converters for Israel

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

Voltage converter

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

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 found in Israel, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms a 220 volt Israeli power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [9] [AD]

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Israel. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing. [9] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use your clothes iron in Israel with a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Israel. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Israel simply 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral. Be aware that Type C power sockets might not be as common in Israel, however the ungrounded Type C plug can also fit in Type H power outlets which are more popular in Israel.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Israeli power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Israel. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Israel using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Israel using a type H power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Israel by using a Type H power charger.

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting - please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type H plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Israel. This Type H plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Israel simply 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 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type H plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. The earthed plug supply, sometimes called a Type H power outlet [5], can be recognised by three slots pointing inward in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins. You'll find more modern type H plug outlets also have round holes in the middle of each slot to accommodate the round pinned Type C plugs that can be found in almost 140 other countries. The most frequently found outlets in Israel are Type H electrical sockets.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type H plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Israeli power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Israel. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Israel using a type H power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Israel using a type M power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Israel with a three pin Type M travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Israel, please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type M plug adapter [8] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Israel. This Type M plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Israel simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Plug the Type M plug adapter in the Israeli power outlet. The plug outlet, technically called a Type M power outlet [7], can be recognised by the three large circular holes in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins. Be aware that Type M power sockets might not be as common in Israel. These outlets are being phased out in Israel in favour of Type H power outlets and are only typically used with high wattage equipment.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type M plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Israeli power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the iron to use in Israel. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Israel using a type M power adapter

See also

  1. Israel - Go Israel
  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 H power outlet
  6. Type H plug adapter - A Type H electrical adapter, compliant with Israel SI32 standards, featuring either flat or round pins depending on the version. This adapter is specifically designed for use in Israel and its surrounding territories..
  7. iec.ch - Type M power outlet
  8. Type M plug adapter - A BS-546 compliant, Type M travel adapter featuring a grounded 3-prong plug, widely used in African countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland, as well as in parts of India..
  9. 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..
  10. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  11. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  12. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  13. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.