How do I use my curling iron in Sweden?

Swedish power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can work in Sweden:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need an appropriate power adapter for Sweden but 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 Swedish power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Sweden, so please check that your voltage transformer comes with a suitable power adapter for Sweden otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Sweden you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your curling iron. Prior to using your curling iron in Sweden check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Sweden

Will my curling iron work in Sweden?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Sweden:

Sweden power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Swedish power outlet?

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

What mains voltage is used in Sweden?

Power outlets in Sweden are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Sweden?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Sweden?

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

  • Plug Type C - This plug socket (technically called a Europlug) is recognised by two round holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm next to each other along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Sweden - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a power adapter for Sweden. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to confirm if you also have to use a voltage converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Buy a plug adapter for Sweden

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Sweden then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Swedish 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 Swedish power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Sweden.
  • 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 Sweden or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Sweden with a curling iron

Can you take a curling iron in your carry on to Sweden?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Sweden will allow a curling iron 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 for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cables tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the most protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Should you bring your domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Sweden?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Sweden as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Swedish power outlet, as long as you use the correct power adapter for Sweden.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your check in luggage by a baggage handlers in Sweden. The inconvenience and costs of repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Sweden could be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before your trip. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Sweden

Do I need a converter to use my curling iron in Sweden?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Sweden. Travellers who wish to bring their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. A power converter is significantly heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Sweden?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter for Sweden?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Sweden, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter converts a 230 volt Swedish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in Sweden with a 2 prong Type C travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your 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 attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Sweden you will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet in Sweden simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the Swedish power outlet. The wall supply (sometimes known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by two round holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Swedish power outlet. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Sweden using a type C power adapter

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

A guide on how to power your curling iron in Sweden with a 2 prong Type F travel charger.

  1. Check that your 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 proceed because you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage curling irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Sweden isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your curling iron you will need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter is designed to convert plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet found in Sweden simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your curling iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type F plug adapter into the Swedish power outlet. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two round adjacent holes, plus a pair of metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Swedish power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be switched on. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Sweden using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Sweden
  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. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.