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

Kosovan power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Kosovo:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Kosovo however 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 Kosovan power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Kosovo, so please check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Kosovo otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Kosovo you run the risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Kosovo read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Kosovo

Will my clothes iron work in Kosovo?

That depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in Kosovo:

How can I use my American clothes iron in Kosovo?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Kosovo and provide advice on using your American clothes iron with a Kosovan power outlet.

Kosovo power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Kosovo?

Power outlets in Kosovo are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Kosovan power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Kosovo?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Kosovo?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket, technically known as the Europlug, is recognised by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - This round wall outlet (called a Schuko socket or type F power outlet) can be identified by the two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Kosovo is a Type F plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Kosovo. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of your clothes iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Kosovo then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Kosovan 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 Kosovan power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Kosovo.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Kosovo or any other country.

Travelling to Kosovo with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying 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 your airline that is taking you to Kosovo 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 cords tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you 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 most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Kosovo

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 heavy and bulky power converter transforms a 230 volt Kosovan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Kosovo. [7] [AD]

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Kosovo. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing clothes iron, but it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Kosovo by using a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, please refer to the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Kosovo 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 for a power outlet used in Kosovo 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. Plug in the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round holes next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Kosovan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron for use in Kosovo. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kosovo using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions on how to power a clothes iron in Kosovo by using a 2 pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of the power outlet used in Kosovo won't take the plug of your clothes iron. This Type F plug adapter will help fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Kosovo 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 taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the Kosovan power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin pins slide into, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Kosovan power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Kosovo. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kosovo using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kosovan 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 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.