Using a clothes iron in Estonia

Estonian power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can work in Estonia:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use a power adapter for Estonia however 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 an 230 volt Estonian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the power outlet used in Estonia, so check that the power converter has the correct power adapter for Estonia otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note that your domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Estonia you run a risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your clothes iron in Estonia read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Estonia

Will my clothes iron work in Estonia?

This will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts used in Estonia. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use the clothes iron in Estonia. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2], read our section on do you need a voltage converter to use a domestic clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Estonia power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in Estonia?

The typical voltage used in Estonia is 230 volts.

What frequency is used in Estonia?

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

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Estonia?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Estonia?

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

  • Plug Type C - The power outlet is recognised by 2 holes adjacent to each other where the two pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular power outlet (also known as a type F power outlet or Schuko plug) can be recognised by two 4.8mm holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral pins and two thin grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Estonia; read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Estonia. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base of the clothes iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also be written on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically, however other irons will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • 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 clothes iron with an Estonian 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 an Estonian power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Estonia.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Estonia or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Estonia with a clothes iron

Can you carry on a clothes iron?

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

Power converters for Estonia

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Estonian power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Estonia. [7] [AD]

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

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Estonia. Travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, but it can be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions on how to use your clothes iron in Estonia by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting, consult the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Estonia you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Estonia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Estonian power outlet. You can now switch on your iron in Estonia. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Estonia using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Estonia with a 2 prong Type F power charger.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts - refer to the user guide for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Estonia you will need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Estonia by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The recessed round wall outlet, sometimes called a Type F power outlet [5], can be identified by two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins along with a pair of two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Estonian power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Estonia using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Estonian 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.