Which plug adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Russia?

Russian power outlet

Summary

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Russia but 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 220 volt Russian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Russia, so please check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Russia otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note 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 the 220 volts used in Russia you run a risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your clothes iron in Russia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Russia

Will my clothes iron work in Russia?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volt power outlets in Russia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in Russia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our guide on do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

How can I use my US clothes iron in Russia?

The instructions on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Russia and will provide guidance for using your American clothes iron with a Russian power outlet.

Russia power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Russia?

The frequency of the current found in a Russian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Russia?

The common voltage in Russia is 220 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Russia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Russia?

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

  • Plug Type C - The plug outlet, also known as the Europlug, can be identified by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this power socket by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm next to each other and two thin grounding clips above and below.

A suitable power adapter to bring when using a 220 volt clothes iron in Russia is a Type F plug adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Russia using a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a power 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 supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different voltages.

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

Travelling to Russia with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline that is flying you to Russia 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 clothes irons. If you intend to bring 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 bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Russia

Can you use a clothes iron with a power converter in Russia?

The correct power converter (or voltage transformer) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Russia. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase 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]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will transform the voltage of 220 volts from a Russian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Russia. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a clothes iron in Russia with a Type C travel adapter.

  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 not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet used in Russia isn't the same shape as the plug of your clothes iron. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Russia by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter into the Russian power outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet, sometimes called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], is identified by 2 adjacent holes.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Russian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Russia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Russia using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Russia with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 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. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting, consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Russia. The plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Russia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can recognise this power outlet by the two circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two plug outlet pins go along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Russian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Russia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Russia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Russia country Wiki 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.