Which plug adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Ukraine?

Ukrainian power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your curling iron can run using 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Ukraine however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Ukrainian power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Ukraine, therefore check that your power converter has a suitable power adapter for Ukraine otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Ukraine read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Ukraine

Will my curling iron work in Ukraine?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Ukraine:

Can I use my American curling iron in Ukraine?

The guides on this page assume that you are an America reader travelling to Ukraine and provide advice on using your American curling iron with a Ukrainian power outlet.

Ukraine power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Ukraine?

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

What is the mains voltage in Ukraine?

Power outlets in Ukraine are 220 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Ukraine?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to use a curling iron in Ukraine?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed wall outlet, also called a Europlug, is identified by two circular adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This round power socket (called a Schuko plug) can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins go and metal grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Ukraine is a Type F power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Ukraine. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you also have to use 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 dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Ukraine then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Ukrainian power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a Ukrainian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Ukraine.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Ukraine or any other country.

Travelling to Ukraine with a curling iron

Can I carry on a curling iron in my hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Ukraine 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 cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Ukraine?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Ukrainian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct power adapter for Ukraine. Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by an airport baggage handler. The costs involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Ukraine could be more than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Ukraine

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a Ukrainian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Ukraine. [7] [AD]

Do you need a converter to use a curling iron in Ukraine?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Ukraine. Travellers wishing to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

A page on how to power a curling iron in Ukraine by using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't proceed because you might 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 220 volt setting - please consult the manufacturers instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Ukraine you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter helps convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Ukraine simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Ukrainian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Ukraine. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Ukraine using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power your curling iron in Ukraine with a two pin Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Ukraine you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet used in Ukraine simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. This sunken circular plug outlet can be identified by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other and two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ukrainian power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Ukraine. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Ukraine using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Ukraine Wikipedia page
  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.