Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Scotland?
Summary
Check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Scotland:
- If your clothes 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 on this page if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.
If not then:
- Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Scotland but 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 230 volt Scottish power outlet, however this is considerably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Scotland, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Scotland otherwise you will also need to purchase another power adapter. Please be aware your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in a suitcase. [5] [AD]
Using a clothes iron in Scotland
Will my clothes iron work in Scotland?
That depends on if your clothes iron can operate using the 230 volts used in Scotland:
- If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your clothes iron in Scotland.
- If not then 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 power converter to use your clothes iron in Scotland for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]
Scotland power outlets and plug sockets
What is the frequency used in Scotland?
The frequency of the current from a Scottish power outlet is 50Hz. [6]
What voltage is used in Scotland?
The common residential voltage used in Scotland is 230 volts.
Which plug adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Scotland?
Type G power outlets are used in Scotland. You can recognise the plug outlet by 3 vertical rectangular holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins. A Type G power adapter is suitable for powering a 230 volt clothes iron in Scotland, read the simple guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Scotland. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to check if you also have to bring a voltage converter. [4] [7] [AD]
Dual voltage travel irons
Is my clothes iron dual voltage?
An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug of your clothes iron. The location will vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other irons will feature a switch which allows you to operate between different voltage ranges depending on which country you are visiting.
- A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage clothes iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Scotland then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Scottish power outlet.
- A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage clothes iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Scottish power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Scotland.
- A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Scotland or any other country.
Travelling to Scotland with a clothes iron
Can you pack a clothes iron in your hand luggage?
According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Scotland 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 recommends wrapping wires tightly around clothes irons. If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey. [8] [9] [AD]
Power converters for Scotland
Do you need a voltage converter for Scotland to use your clothes iron?
A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Scotland. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron, however it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be significantly smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]
What is the difference between a voltage converter and a plug adapter?
A heavy and expensive power converter transforms a 230 volt Scottish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, but a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet in Scotland. [5] [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Scotland using a type G power adapter
Instructions showing how to use your clothes iron in Scotland with a Type G power charger.
- Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is found.
- You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Scotland. The Type G plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Scotland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
- Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the wall outlet. This wall outlet (sometimes called a Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the three vertical rectangular slots forming a triangular pattern.
- Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
- Turn on the Scottish power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Scotland. [AD]
See also
- What can I connect to a Scottish power outlet?
- What can I connect to a clothes iron?
- Can I charge my phone in Europe?
- Can I use my phone in Europe?
- Do I need a converter for my phone in Europe?
- Will my phone charger work in Europe?
- What are the dangers of using the wrong mobile phone charger in Europe?
- How do I charge a phone in Europe?
- How to call the US from Europe
- What plug sockets are found in Europe?
- Will my hairdryer work in Europe?
- Can I use my hair straighteners in Europe?
- What is the cheapest airport to fly into in Europe?
- How to travel Europe by train
- How much is a Europass?
- Can I buy Rail Europe tickets at the station?
- Can I buy a rail pass in Europe?
- Can I buy Eurostar tickets on the station?
- Where can I buy Euros from?
- What denominations do Euros come in?
- Can I buy Euros at any bank?
- How do I convert dollars to Euros?
- Can I buy Euros with a credit card?
- Does Sweden use the Euro?
- Does the United Kingdom use the Euro?
- Does Denmark use the Euro?
- How long can an American stay in Europe for?
- Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
- What is the most spoken language in Europe?
- How many different languages are spoken in Europe?
- How many countries are there in Europe?
- What countries are in Eastern Europe?
- What countries are in Western Europe?
- What is Northern Europe?
- What countries are not in the European Union?
External links
We endeavour to ensure that links on this page are periodically checked and correct for suitability. This website may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate WikiConnections earn from qualifying purchases. For more details please read the disclaimers page.
- Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Scotland
- Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
- iec.ch - Type G power outlet
- Type G plug adapter - An earthed BS 1363 certified UK power adapter, featuring a fuse to protect against overload and consequent fire risks. Ideal for use in over 50 countries, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and also in international cities like Dubai and Hong Kong..
- 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..
- Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
- iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
- tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
- Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.
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