How do I use my clothes iron in Denmark?

Danish power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Denmark:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Denmark but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Danish power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Denmark, therefore please check that the power converter comes with the right power adapter for Denmark otherwise you will still need to bring a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Denmark please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Denmark

Will my clothes iron work in Denmark?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts as used in Denmark. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use your clothes iron in Denmark. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a power converter or a dual voltage travel iron [2]. Read the guide on will a voltage converter work with your clothes iron in Denmark for help deciding which option is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Denmark power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Denmark?

The residential voltage in Denmark is 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in a Danish power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current in a Danish power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Denmark?

The best power adapter for Denmark will be a Type K power adapter which allows you to use any 230 volt clothes iron.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Denmark?

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or base. This location will depend on the make or model of your clothes iron, it could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other irons will have a button or switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Denmark then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Danish 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 230 volts used in a Danish power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Denmark.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Denmark or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Denmark with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA recommends that you should check that your airline that is taking you to Denmark will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also recommends wrapping cords tightly around electronic items. If you do intend to bring a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [AD]

Power converters for Denmark

Can you use a clothes iron with a converter for Denmark?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Denmark. Travellers who wish to bring their own clothes iron can use a power converter, but it could be a lot less expensive to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably heavier and bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [5] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Denmark, but an expensive and bulkier power converter converts the voltage of 230 volts from a Danish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron. [5] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Denmark using a type K power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Denmark using a two prong Type K power adapter.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you could blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some irons will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; please refer to the user guide to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Denmark won't accomodate the plug shape on your clothes iron you will need to buy a Type K plug adapter [4]. This Type K plug adapter will adapt plugs from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Denmark simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start by inserting the Type K plug adapter into the Danish power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the three holes forming an upside-down triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Danish power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron in Denmark. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Denmark using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Denmark
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  4. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  9. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.