How to use your curling iron in Romania

Romanian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Romania:

  • If your curling iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) 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 an appropriate power adapter for Romania but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Romanian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Romania, so check that the voltage transformer includes a power adapter for Romania otherwise you will need to bring a seperate power adapter. Please be aware that your own 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 the 230 volts used in Romania you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Romania read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Romania

Will my curling iron work in Romania?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts used in Romania:

Romania power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Romania?

Power outlets in Romania are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Romania?

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

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Romania?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Romania?

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

  • Plug Type C - This wall outlet, also called the Europlug, is identified by two circular holes adjacent to each other.
  • Plug Type F - The sunken round wall outlet can be identified by the two 4.8mm adjacent holes next to each other and metal grounding clips above and below.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Romania is a Type F power adapter - read the simple instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Romania. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also need to bring a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron can support dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a switch which allows you to toggle 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 230 volts used in Romania then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Romanian 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 230 volts used in a Romanian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Romania.
  • 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 Romania or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Romania with a curling iron

Is it safer to bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Romania?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron rather than bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Romania as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Romanian power outlet, provided that you bring the correct plug adapter for Romania.

Be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised curling iron in Romania could outweigh the costs of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring your own personal curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof 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 your hand luggage to Romania?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Romania will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons 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] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Romania

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

Voltage converter

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

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 Romania, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from a Romanian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Can I use a curling iron with a converter in Romania?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Romania. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their own domestic curling iron, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

How to use your curling iron in Romania with a two pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure 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. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Romania. This power adapter helps fit different plugs from other countries for a power outlet found in Romania 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. Start the process by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. This wall supply can be identified by two round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Romanian power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron in Romania. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Romania using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Romania using a 2 pinned Type F power charger.

  1. Ensure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not continue as you might blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Romania. This power adapter will help adapt different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Romania by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Plug the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other, plus a pair of two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Romanian power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Romania. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Romania using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Romanian entry 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.