Which travel adapter will I need when using a clothes iron in Moldova?

Moldovan power outlet

Summary

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

  • If your clothes iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Moldova however 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 Moldovan power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Moldova, so check that the power converter has the right power adapter for Moldova otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please note - your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts used in Moldova you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Moldova check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Moldova

Will my clothes iron work in Moldova?

It depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 220 volts used in Moldova. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you'll be able to use the clothes iron in Moldova. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read our section on can you use a voltage converter to use your clothes iron in Moldova for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Moldova power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Moldova?

The residential voltage used in Moldova is 220 volts.

What is the frequency used with a Moldovan power outlet?

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

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Moldova?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Moldova?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this plug socket by 2 circular adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the plug outlet by two large circular holes 19 mm apart from each other, plus thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Moldova, read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Moldova with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power 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, base or handle of your clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and could also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

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

Travelling to Moldova with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on to Moldova?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA suggests that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Moldova 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 do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Moldova

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 220 volt power outlet used in Moldova. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring along their own domestic clothes iron, however it could be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. Also, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suitable for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [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 heavy and bulky power converter will convert a 220 volt Moldovan power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, whereas a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Moldova. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a clothes iron in Moldova with a Type C power adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting for use in Moldova - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Moldova you will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in Moldova 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 the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it into the power outlet. This plug outlet, also called the Europlug, can be identified by two holes next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Moldovan power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron in Moldova. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Moldova using a type C power adapter

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

How to use a clothes iron in Moldova by using a Type F power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Moldova isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your clothes iron. This Type F plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Moldova simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it 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 power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the two circular adjacent holes, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Moldovan power outlet.
  6. The clothes iron is now ready to be used in Moldova. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Moldova using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Moldova 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.