Which plug adapter do I need for using a curling iron in Finland?

Finnish power outlet

Summary

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need a power adapter for Finland however 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 Finnish power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change 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 Finland, so please check that your power converter comes with the right power adapter for Finland otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Finland you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Finland read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Finland

Will my curling iron work in Finland?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volt power outlets in Finland:

Finland power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Finland?

The standard residential voltage used in Finland is 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Finnish power outlet?

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

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Finland?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Finland?

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

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed power outlet can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - This sunken circular power socket can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes next to each other and grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F power adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Finland, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Finland. 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?

The way to tell if your curling iron will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically but other models will have a switch which allows you to operate between different regions.

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

Travelling to Finland with a curling iron

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

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to packing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Finnish power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Finland. Note that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by airline baggage handlers in Finland. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Finland could be more than purchasing a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack 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 also allows the curling iron to be packed whilst hot without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can curling irons go in hand luggage to Finland?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is flying you to Finland 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 by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cables tightly around curling irons). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable 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 Finland

Do I need a converter to use a curling iron in Finland?

A power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Finland. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their own domestic curling iron, but it might be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. A power converter is substantially bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Finland, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Finnish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a curling iron in Finland by using a 2 pinned Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works 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. Some curling irons will sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Finland, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Finland you'll need to use a Type C plug adapter [4]. The Type C plug adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Finland 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. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Finnish power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Finland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Finland using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Finland with a two pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Some dual voltage travel curling irons might sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Finland; refer to the instructions for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Finland doesn't accomodate the plug on your curling iron you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Finland by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the Finnish power outlet. The recessed circular plug outlet can be identified by two large circular adjacent holes and thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Next plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Finnish power outlet. The curling iron can now be used in Finland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Finland using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry about Finland
  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.