How do I use a curling iron in Scotland?

Scottish power outlet

Summary

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

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need the right 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 curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Scottish power outlet, however this is considerably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Scotland, therefore check that the voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Scotland otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk damage in your luggage. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your curling iron in Scotland check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Scotland

Will my curling iron work in Scotland?

This will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts as used in Scotland:

Scotland power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Scotland?

Power outlets in Scotland are 230 volts.

What is the electrical frequency used in Scotland?

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

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Scotland?

Type G power outlets are used in Scotland. You can recognise the plug socket by 3 rectangular holes containing plastic shutters in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and ground pins. A suitable plug adapter to bring to use a 230 volt curling iron in Scotland is a Type G power adapter, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a curling iron in Scotland using a plug adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a voltage converter.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need to bring when using a curling iron in Scotland?

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of the curling iron. This location might depend on the make or model of your curling iron and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons can change automatically, however other models will have a button which allows you to change between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Scotland then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Scottish power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage curling iron which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 230 volts used in a Scottish power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Scotland.
  • A larger range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Scotland or any other country.

Travelling to Scotland with a curling iron

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Scotland?

Bringing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Scottish power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Scotland.

It is also worth concidering that packing expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by an airline baggage handler. The inconvenience and costs of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Scotland might be more than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring your own curling iron in your suitcase 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 will also allow the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [8] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Scotland will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible for airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping wires tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Power converters for Scotland

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, small and cheap power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Scotland, but an expensive and bulkier power converter transforms a 230 volt Scottish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [5] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use your curling iron in Scotland?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 230 volt power outlet used in Scotland. Travellers wishing to bring along their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, however it could be considerably cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be significantly lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suited for packing in luggage. [5] [AD]

How to use a curling iron in Scotland using a type G power adapter

A page on how to power a curling iron in Scotland by using a three prong Type G travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you could blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting for use in Scotland, please consult the owners manual for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to buy a Type G plug adapter [4] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of plug outlet used in Scotland. This Type G plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Scotland simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by inserting the Type G plug adapter in the Scottish power outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type G power outlet [3], looks like three slots containing shutters forming a triangular pattern.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type G plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Scottish power outlet. Your curling iron can now be used in Scotland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Scotland using a type G power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Scotland
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling 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. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  9. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.