How do I use a clothes iron in Hungary?

Hungarian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Hungary:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Hungary but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of 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 Hungarian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Hungary, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Hungary otherwise you will still 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 Hungary you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Hungary read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Hungary

Will my clothes iron work in Hungary?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Hungary. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you can use your clothes iron in Hungary. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read the section on do you need a power converter to use your domestic clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Will my American clothes iron work in Hungary?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from America visiting Hungary and will provide guidance for using your US clothes iron with a Hungarian power outlet.

Hungary power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used with a Hungarian power outlet?

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

What is the mains voltage in Hungary?

The normal residential voltage used in Hungary is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Hungary?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a clothes iron in Hungary?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 holes next to each other where the twin pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - The recessed circular plug socket can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other where the twin plug socket pins slide into and grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Hungary; read the simple instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Hungary with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also need to bring 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 support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Hungary with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on to Hungary?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Hungary will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cables tightly around 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 Hungary

Do you need a converter to use a clothes iron in Hungary?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Hungary. Travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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 Hungarian 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 Hungary. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Hungary with a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll 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 Hungary. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Hungary 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. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply, also called the Type C power outlet [3], is recognised by the 2 round adjacent holes.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Hungarian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Hungary. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Hungary using a type C power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Hungary with a Type F power charger.

  1. Make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Hungary. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Hungary 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. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two holes 19 mm apart from each other where the twin pins slide into, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Hungarian power outlet. You can now turn on the iron in Hungary. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Hungary using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Hungary
  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.