How do I use my clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstani power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Kyrgyzstan:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a suitable power adapter for Kyrgyzstan however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Kyrgyzstani power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Kyrgyzstan, so check that your voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for Kyrgyzstan otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Also worth noting that your own personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you could risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Kyrgyzstan you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan

Will my clothes iron work in Kyrgyzstan?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts as used in Kyrgyzstan:

Kyrgyzstan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Kyrgyzstan?

The residential voltage in Kyrgyzstan is 220 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Kyrgyzstan?

The frequency in a Kyrgyzstani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need to bring to use a clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan?

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

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded plug outlet (known as a Europlug) is identified by the 2 circular holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken round power socket, also known as a type F power outlet or Schuko plug, can be identified by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other along with two metal grounding clips above and below.

A suitable travel adapter to bring to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan is a Type F plug adapter; read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan using a travel adapter. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you have to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Kyrgyzstan

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or the handle of your clothes iron. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Kyrgyzstan 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 bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Kyrgyzstan 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 wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons.

If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and drops during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Kyrgyzstan

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

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate using a 220 volt power outlet used in Kyrgyzstan. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron, however it might be more costly to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. A power converter is also significantly bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter will convert a 220 volt Kyrgyzstani power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Kyrgyzstan. [7] [AD]

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

How to power your clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan by using a Type C travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't attempt these instructions because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Kyrgyzstan - consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Kyrgyzstan you'll need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This plug adapter helps fit plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Kyrgyzstan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type C plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the power outlet by the two adjacent holes next to each other where the twin pins slide into.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kyrgyzstani power outlet. The iron can now be powered on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan using a type C power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan with a Type F travel charger.

  1. Please ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then do not attempt these instructions as you might blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Kyrgyzstan - consult the owners manual to find out where this switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Kyrgyzstan you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Kyrgyzstan by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Insert the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this power supply by the two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins, plus two metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kyrgyzstani power outlet. You can now switch on the iron for use in Kyrgyzstan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kyrgyzstan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kyrgyzstan 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.