How do I use my clothes iron in Belarus?

Belarus power outlet

Summary

First check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Belarus:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need a power adapter for Belarus but 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 Belarus power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Belarus, therefore check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Belarus otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please be aware your personal clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Belarus please read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Belarus

Will my clothes iron work in Belarus?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volts used in Belarus:

Belarus power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Belarus power outlet?

The frequency from a Belarus power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What mains voltage is used in Belarus?

Power outlets in Belarus are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Belarus?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Belarus?

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

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet, also known as the Europlug, can be identified by 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by two large circular holes 19 mm next to each other, plus thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Belarus; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Belarus. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

How can I tell if my clothes iron is dual voltage?

One way to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base. The location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges 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 Belarus then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Belarus 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 Belarus power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Belarus.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Belarus or any other country.

Travelling to Belarus with a clothes iron

Can clothes irons go in your carry on luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Belarus 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 advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items.

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

Power converters for Belarus

Do I need a converter to use my clothes iron in Belarus?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Belarus. Travellers wishing to use their existing clothes iron can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be substantially smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Belarus, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter will convert a 220 volt Belarus power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Belarus by using a Type C power adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Belarus you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will help adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Belarus by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter 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 C plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. The plug supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 round adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Belarus power outlet. Your clothes iron is now ready for use in Belarus. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Belarus using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Belarus by using a Type F power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then don't proceed as you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some dual voltage travel irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Belarus; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Belarus you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Belarus by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug supply by two large circular holes 19 mm apart from each other along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Belarus power outlet. Your clothes iron is now ready for use in Belarus. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Belarus using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Belarus Wikipedia web 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.