How do I use a curling iron in Russia?

Russian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Russia:

  • If your curling iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the right power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Russia 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 Russian power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Russia, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with the right power adapter for Russia otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Note - your existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Russia read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Russia

Will my curling iron work in Russia?

This depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 220 volts which are used in Russia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use the curling iron in Russia. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read our section on do you need a power converter to use your domestic curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Russia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Russia?

Power outlets in Russia are 220 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Russian power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current found in a Russian power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Russia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Russia?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power outlet by 2 round adjacent holes where the twin pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this power outlet by two 4.8mm adjacent holes and grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 220 volt curling iron in Russia is a Type F power adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Russia. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug of your curling iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons will change automatically but other irons will feature a button which allows you to change between different voltages depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Russia with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Russia?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Russia as it ensures that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Russian power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Russia. Be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by an airport baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Russia could be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

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 also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Russia 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 for airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power wires 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 advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Russia

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Russia, but a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 220 volts from a Russian power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter in Russia to use a curling iron?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in Russia. Travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be noticeably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Russia with a Type C power charger.

  1. Please 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 it doesn't then do not continue 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 the 220 volt setting for use in Russia; refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Russia. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Russia 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. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 adjacent holes.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Russian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Russia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Russia using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Russia with a Type F power charger.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Russia, refer to the user guide for more details on where this switch is found.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Russia. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Russia 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. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two adjacent holes and grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Russian power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Russia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Russia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Russian 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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  11. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.