Which plug adapter will I need to bring to use a clothes iron in Andorra?

Andorran power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Andorra:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Andorra 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 an 230 volt Andorran 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 actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Andorra, so please check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Andorra otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Andorra you run a risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Andorra check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Andorra

Will my clothes iron work in Andorra?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Andorra:

Will my American clothes iron work in Andorra?

The instructions on this page assume that you are a reader from the US travelling to Andorra and will provide advice on using your American clothes iron with an Andorran power outlet.

Andorra power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Andorra?

Power outlets in Andorra are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in an Andorran power outlet?

The frequency of the current from an Andorran power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - The wall socket, also known as the Europlug, can be recognised by the two holes adjacent to each other where the live and neutral pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round plug outlet (known as a Schuko socket or type F power outlet) can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus two thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Andorra is a Type F plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Andorra. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Andorra then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Andorran power outlet.
  • Single voltage could also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in an Andorran power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Andorra.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Andorra or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Andorra with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on?

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 also recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Andorra 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 do intend to pack 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 greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Andorra

Do you need a converter to use your clothes iron in Andorra?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Andorra. Travellers who wish to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also, a travel clothes iron can be substantially lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Andorra?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Andorra?

An expensive and heavy power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from an Andorran power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Andorra. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Andorra with a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting to use in Andorra - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Andorra doesn't accomodate the plug shape of your clothes iron. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Andorra 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. Insert the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. This ungrounded power outlet, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by 2 round adjacent holes where the plug outlet pins sit.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Andorran power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron to use in Andorra. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Andorra using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Andorra using a two prong Type F power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet - if it doesn't then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Andorra - consult the user guide for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Andorra. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Andorra by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two large holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral and a pair of two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Andorran power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Andorra using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Andorra
  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.