How to use your clothes iron in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistani power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Uzbekistan:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Uzbekistan 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 an 220 volt Uzbekistani power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Uzbekistan, so please check that the voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for Uzbekistan otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Uzbekistan please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Uzbekistan

Will my clothes iron work in Uzbekistan?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Uzbekistan:

Will my US clothes iron work in Uzbekistan?

The instructions on this page assume that you're a reader from America visiting Uzbekistan and provide advice on using your American clothes iron with an Uzbekistani power outlet.

Uzbekistan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in an Uzbekistani power outlet?

The frequency from an Uzbekistani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Uzbekistan?

The voltage used in Uzbekistan is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Uzbekistan?

Type C and I power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Uzbekistan?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify the plug socket by 2 circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type I - This wall outlet (also called a type I power outlet) can be identified by the three slots in a triangular pattern with the top two slots sloping upwards for the live, neutral and ground.

A Type I plug adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Uzbekistan, read the simple guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Uzbekistan. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your clothes iron will support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Uzbekistan then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Uzbekistani 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 220 volts used in an Uzbekistani power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Uzbekistan.
  • Dual voltage will say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Uzbekistan or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Uzbekistan with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is taking you to Uzbekistan will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items. 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 most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Uzbekistan

Do I need a converter to use a clothes iron in Uzbekistan?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Uzbekistan. Travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when travelling. [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 expensive power converter converts a 220 volt Uzbekistani power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, however a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Uzbekistan. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Uzbekistan by using a two pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then don't proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 220 volts to use in Uzbekistan; consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Uzbekistan you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Uzbekistan simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. This plug outlet is recognised by the 2 holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Uzbekistani power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Uzbekistan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Uzbekistan using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Uzbekistan using a type I power adapter

How to power a clothes iron in Uzbekistan with a three pin Type I power charger.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, refer to the owners manual to find out where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type I plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Uzbekistan. This Type I plug adapter helps convert plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Uzbekistan by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type I plug adapter in the Uzbekistani power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the 3 slots for the live, neutral and ground blades.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type I plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Uzbekistani power outlet. You can now switch on your iron for use in Uzbekistan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Uzbekistan using a type I power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Uzbekistan country entry on wikipedia.org
  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 I power outlet
  6. Type I plug adapter - A Type I electrical adapter, compliant with AS/NZS 3112, fits in a standard Australia electrical outlet. This adapter features two flat pins in an inverted V-shape with an earthing pin and is also commonly used in New Zealand, China, and Argentina..
  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.