Which travel adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Scotland?

Scottish power outlet

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]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Scotland you run the risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Scotland please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

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:

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]

Which plug adapter do you need when using a clothes iron in Scotland?

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?

Voltage converter

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Scottish power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Scotland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Scotland using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Scotland
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. 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..
  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.