How do I use a clothes iron in Turkey?

Turkish power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Turkey:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you'll only need to bring the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the right power adapter for Turkey however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Turkish power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Turkey, therefore check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Turkey otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Please note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Turkey you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Turkey read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Turkey

Will my clothes iron work in Turkey?

That depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Turkey:

Turkey power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in Turkey?

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

What voltage is used in Turkey?

The typical residential voltage used in Turkey is 230 volts.

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

Type C and F power outlets

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

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

  • Plug Type C - You can recognise the plug socket by the 2 holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this wall outlet by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other along with grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Turkey is a Type F power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Turkey. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Get a plug adapter for Turkey

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of the clothes iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Turkey 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 US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Turkey 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 suggests wrapping cables 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 advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Turkey

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

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Turkey. 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 will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Turkey, however an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Turkish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Turkey using a Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Turkey. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Turkey 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 supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 round holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Turkish power outlet. You can now switch on the iron in Turkey. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Turkey using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Turkey by using a Type F power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting - please consult the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Turkey. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Turkey by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the power outlet. This round wall outlet (called the Type F power outlet [5]) can be identified by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Turkish power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Turkey using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Turkey
  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.