How to use your clothes iron in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstani power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Kazakhstan:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the right power adapter for Kazakhstan 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 a 220 volt Kazakhstani power outlet, however this is significantly heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Kazakhstan, therefore check that the power converter has a suitable power adapter for Kazakhstan otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 220 volts used in Kazakhstan you run the potential risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or blowing a fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Kazakhstan read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Kazakhstan

Will my clothes iron work in Kazakhstan?

This will depend on if your clothes iron can operate using the 220 volt power outlets in Kazakhstan. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you'll be able to use it in Kazakhstan. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Kazakhstan power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Kazakhstan?

The frequency of the current used in a Kazakhstani power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

What is the mains voltage in Kazakhstan?

The standard residential voltage used in Kazakhstan is 220 volts.

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Kazakhstan?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Kazakhstan?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this wall outlet by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the power outlet by two adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into and grounding clips above and below.

A recommended travel adapter to bring for using a 220 volt clothes iron in Kazakhstan is a Type F plug adapter - read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Kazakhstan using a power adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to see if you need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the base, handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Kazakhstan then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Kazakhstani 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 220 volts used in a Kazakhstani power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Kazakhstan.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Kazakhstan or any other country.

Travelling to Kazakhstan with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on hand luggage to Kazakhstan?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline who is flying you to Kazakhstan will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. The TSA also suggests wrapping cords 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 recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Kazakhstan

Do you need a power converter for Kazakhstan to use your clothes iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Kazakhstan. Travellers who want to use their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be considerably lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert a 220 volt Kazakhstani power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Kazakhstan. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your clothes iron in Kazakhstan with a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Kazakhstan; consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Kazakhstan. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Kazakhstan by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the Kazakhstani power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kazakhstani power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron to use in Kazakhstan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kazakhstan using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your clothes iron in Kazakhstan with a two pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet; 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 iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting for use in Kazakhstan, please consult the owners manual to find out where the switch is found.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Kazakhstan. This Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in Kazakhstan by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the Kazakhstani power outlet. The sunken round wall supply can be identified by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Kazakhstani power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on your iron to use in Kazakhstan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Kazakhstan using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kazakhstan country entry on wikipedia.org
  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.