How to use your curling iron in Armenia

Armenian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Armenia:

  • If your curling 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 curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Armenia but 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 curling iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Armenian power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Armenia, therefore check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Armenia otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Armenia you run the potential risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Armenia read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Armenia

Will my curling iron work in Armenia?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Armenia:

Can I use my American curling iron in Armenia?

The guides on this page assume that you are a reader from America visiting Armenia and will provide advice on using your American curling iron with an Armenian power outlet.

Armenia power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Armenia?

The frequency of the current used in an Armenian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Armenia?

The standard residential voltage used in Armenia is 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Armenia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Armenia?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug socket can be identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this wall outlet by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Armenia is a Type F power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of using a curling iron in Armenia with a travel adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of your curling iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different regions.

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

Travelling to Armenia with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in carry on to Armenia?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Armenia will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against drops and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safer to bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Armenia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Armenia as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Armenian power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Armenia.

It is also worth concidering that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The costs involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Armenia might be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Armenia

Do you need a power converter for Armenia to use your curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Armenia. Travellers who wish to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from an Armenian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Armenia. [7] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Armenia using a type C power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Armenia by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some curling irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Armenia; refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Armenia won't take the plug of your curling iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Armenia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The plug outlet can be identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Armenian power outlet. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Armenia using a type C power adapter

How to use a curling iron in Armenia using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Armenia by using a Type F power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Armenia, please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Armenia. This power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet used in Armenia simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the Armenian power outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by two adjacent holes next to each other and metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Armenian power outlet. The curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Armenia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Armenia country entry on Wikipedia.org
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling 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 curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.