Using a clothes iron in Ukraine

Ukrainian power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Ukraine:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Ukraine but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Ukrainian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Ukraine, so please check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Ukraine otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Ukraine you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Ukraine read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Ukraine

Will my clothes iron work in Ukraine?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volts which are used in Ukraine. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Ukraine. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on will a power converter work with a clothes iron in Ukraine for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Ukraine power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Ukraine?

Power outlets in Ukraine are 220 volts.

What is the frequency used in a Ukrainian power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Ukraine?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring for using a clothes 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 is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by the two adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into and a pair of two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 220 volt clothes iron in Ukraine is a Type F power adapter; read the simple instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Ukraine using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you also have 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 supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. This location might 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 models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Ukraine with a clothes iron

Can I pack a clothes iron in my carry on to Ukraine?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline who is taking you to Ukraine 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 recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Ukraine

Do I need a voltage converter to use my clothes iron in Ukraine?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Ukraine. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing clothes iron, but it can be a lot cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also, a power converter is significantly heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Ukraine, however a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 220 volt Ukrainian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to use your clothes iron in Ukraine with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not proceed 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 make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Ukraine, please consult the manufacturers instructions 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 Ukraine you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Ukraine simply 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 supply.
  3. First plug in the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. The plug outlet can be recognised by the two circular holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ukrainian power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Ukraine using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Ukraine with a two pinned Type F power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 220 volts for use in Ukraine; please 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 Ukraine you will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Ukraine 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 by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the wall outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two pins sit, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Ukrainian power outlet. You can now turn on the iron for use in Ukraine. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Ukraine using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Ukrainian 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 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.