Using your clothes iron in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can work in Azerbaijan:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Azerbaijan however 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 an 230 volt Azerbaijani power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Azerbaijan, so check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Azerbaijan otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Please note that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Azerbaijan check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Azerbaijan

Will my clothes iron work in Azerbaijan?

This depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Azerbaijan:

Azerbaijan power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in an Azerbaijani power outlet?

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

What mains voltage is used in Azerbaijan?

The common residential voltage in Azerbaijan is 230 volts.

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Azerbaijan?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need for using a clothes iron in Azerbaijan?

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

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded power socket (known as a Europlug) is identified by the 2 circular holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins go.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the wall socket by the two large round holes 19 mm next to each other and a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A recommended plug adapter to bring for using a 230 volt clothes iron in Azerbaijan is a Type F plug adapter, read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Azerbaijan. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can you tell if your clothes iron is dual voltage?

The method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of the clothes iron. The location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other models will feature a button or switch which allows you to change between different regions.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Azerbaijan then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Azerbaijani 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 230 volts used in an Azerbaijani power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Azerbaijan.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Azerbaijan or any other country.

Travelling to Azerbaijan with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron in your 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 United States. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline who is taking you to Azerbaijan will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also advices wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons. If you do 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 offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Azerbaijan

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Azerbaijani power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Azerbaijan. [7] [AD]

Do I need a converter for Azerbaijan to use a clothes iron?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Azerbaijan. Travellers who wish to bring along their own clothes iron can use a power converter, however it might be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. A power converter is significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable when packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Azerbaijan by using a two prong Type C power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply - if not then do not continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, consult the user guide for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the power outlet which is used in Azerbaijan. The power adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Azerbaijan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the Azerbaijani power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two round holes next to each other.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Azerbaijani power outlet. You can now turn on the iron to use in Azerbaijan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Azerbaijan using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Azerbaijan using a two pronged Type F power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Azerbaijan - consult the instructions for more information on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet which is used in Azerbaijan. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet in Azerbaijan simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the Azerbaijani power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the two large round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Azerbaijani power outlet. The clothes iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Azerbaijan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Azerbaijan entry on wikipedia
  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.