How do I use a clothes iron in Bosnia?

Bosnian power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then:

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

Using a clothes iron in Bosnia

Will my clothes iron work in Bosnia?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets in Bosnia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Bosnia. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our section on can you use a voltage converter to use your domestic clothes iron in Bosnia for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Bosnia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Bosnian power outlet?

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

What is the voltage in Bosnia?

The normal voltage in Bosnia is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Bosnia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Bosnia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the plug socket by two circular holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - The round plug socket can be identified by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the plug socket pins go along with a pair of two grounding clips above and below.

A suitable travel adapter to bring when using a 230 volt clothes iron in Bosnia is a Type F power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Bosnia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will support dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of the clothes iron. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Bosnia then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Bosnian 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 a Bosnian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Bosnia.
  • 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 Bosnia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Bosnia with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron to Bosnia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Bosnia will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

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 provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Bosnia

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Bosnia, whereas a heavier and more expensive power converter converts a 230 volt Bosnian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron in Bosnia?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Bosnia. Travellers who want to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

A guide on how to power a clothes iron in Bosnia with a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please 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 do not continue because you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Bosnia - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Bosnia. This Type C plug adapter will convert different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Bosnia simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the Bosnian power outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two round holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Bosnian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron in Bosnia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bosnia using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Bosnia with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't continue as you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Bosnia, please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Bosnia. This Type F plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Bosnia simply 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 outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. The sunken round wall outlet, sometimes called a Type F power outlet [5] or Schuko plug, can be identified by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins and two thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Bosnian power outlet. Your clothes iron can now be used in Bosnia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Bosnia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Bosnia
  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.