Which travel adapter do I need when using a clothes iron in Armenia?

Armenian power outlet

Summary

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

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a 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 clothes iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Armenian power outlet, however this is noticeably 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 Armenia, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the right power adapter for Armenia otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your own personal 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 230 volts used in Armenia you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Armenia please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Armenia

Will my clothes iron work in Armenia?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Armenia:

Armenia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Armenia?

Power outlets in Armenia are 230 volts.

What is the frequency used with an Armenian power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Armenia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Armenia?

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

  • Plug Type C - This plug socket (technically known as the Europlug) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the plug socket by two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins along with thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Armenia is a Type F power adapter; read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a travel adapter for Armenia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will accept a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base of your clothes iron. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • 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 clothes 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 clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Armenia.
  • 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 Armenia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Armenia with a clothes iron

Can you bring a clothes iron in your carry on to Armenia?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should check that the airline who is flying you to Armenia 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 use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Armenia

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Armenia, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Armenian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Armenia. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their own clothes iron, but it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is substantially bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

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

  1. Please make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Armenia, please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Armenia doesn't accomodate the plug of your clothes iron. This Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Armenia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Insert the Type C plug adapter in the Armenian power outlet. This ungrounded wall supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Armenian power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be used in Armenia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Armenia using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Armenia with a two pin Type F power charger.

  1. Please ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 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 230 volts to use in Armenia; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Armenia you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Armenia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First plug the Type F plug adapter in the Armenian power outlet. The sunken round wall supply can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes where the twin plug outlet pins go and a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Armenian power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Armenia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Armenia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Armenia Wikipedia 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.