Which power adapter will I need to bring to use a clothes iron in Herzegovina?

Herzegovinian power outlet

Summary

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

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Herzegovina 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 a 230 volt Herzegovinian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes 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 Herzegovina, so check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Herzegovina otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Herzegovina check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Herzegovina

Will my clothes iron work in Herzegovina?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Herzegovina. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the clothes iron in Herzegovina. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use your clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Herzegovina power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Herzegovina?

Power outlets in Herzegovina are 230 volts.

What frequency is used in a Herzegovinian power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Herzegovinian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Herzegovina?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need when using a clothes iron in Herzegovina?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the power outlet by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round power socket can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A suitable power adapter to bring to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Herzegovina is a Type F plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Herzegovina. Please 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 plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

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

Travelling to Herzegovina 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 suggests that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Herzegovina 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 cables tightly around electronic items. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Herzegovina

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Herzegovina?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter for Herzegovina?

A heavy and expensive power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Herzegovinian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a cheaper 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 Herzegovina. [7] [AD]

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Herzegovina. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron, but it could be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Herzegovina with a 2 pronged Type C power charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Herzegovina, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Herzegovina won't accomodate the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Herzegovina by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter 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 next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Herzegovinian power outlet. You can now switch on the iron to use in Herzegovina. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Herzegovina using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Herzegovina with a Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting to use in Herzegovina - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Herzegovina. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Herzegovina 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 wall outlet by the two large holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral and a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Herzegovinian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Herzegovina using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Herzegovina Wikipedia page
  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.