How to use your curling iron in Estonia

Estonian power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Estonia:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron won't fit in the outlet.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use a suitable power adapter for Estonia 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 curling iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Estonian power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Estonia, therefore check that the voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Estonia otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in your suitcase. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your curling iron in Estonia read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Estonia

Will my curling iron work in Estonia?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in Estonia. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use your curling iron in Estonia. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel curling iron [2], read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use a curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Estonia power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Estonia?

Power outlets in Estonia are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with an Estonian power outlet?

The frequency from an Estonian power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Estonia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Estonia?

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

  • Plug Type C - This wall outlet (called a Europlug) is recognised by the two round adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this wall outlet by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into and grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt curling iron in Estonia, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Estonia. Please 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]

Plug adapters for Estonia

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your curling iron can handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location will 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 switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

  • Single voltage could say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Estonia then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Estonian 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 Estonian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Estonia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Estonia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Estonia with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Estonia?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Estonian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Estonia.

Please note that packing your 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 repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Estonia might outweigh the costs of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along 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 curling irons go in hand luggage to Estonia?

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 Estonia will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around curling irons). If you 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 Estonia

Do I need a power converter for Estonia to use my curling iron?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Estonia. A power converter is more suitable for travellers who want to use their own curling iron, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Estonia, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Estonian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to power your curling iron in Estonia with a Type C power charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 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. Some curling irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Estonia, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Estonia you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Estonia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Plug in the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall supply, also called a Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], is recognised by the two round holes next to each other.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Estonian power outlet. The curling iron can now be used in Estonia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Estonia using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Estonia with a 2 pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Estonia isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Estonia by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the Estonian power outlet. You can recognise the power outlet by two holes 19 mm apart from each other, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Estonian power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your curling iron for use in Estonia. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Estonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Estonian page on wikipedia.org
  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.