How to use a curling iron in Iceland

Iceland power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can work in Iceland:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to check) then you'll only need to use the correct power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need to use an appropriate power adapter for Iceland however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Iceland power outlet, however this is significantly 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 power outlet used in Iceland, therefore please check that your power converter includes a power adapter for Iceland otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Iceland you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Iceland read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Iceland

Will my curling iron work in Iceland?

This will depend on if your curling iron is designed to handle the 230 volt power outlets in Iceland:

Iceland power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Iceland?

The voltage used in Iceland is 230 volts.

What is the frequency used in an Iceland power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from an Iceland power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Iceland?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Iceland?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this plug socket by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Iceland; read the step by step guide below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Iceland with a travel adapter. Be aware 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

How can I tell if my curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your curling iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. The location will depend on the make and model of your curling iron, it could also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button or switch which allows you to operate between different voltages.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Iceland then you should be able to use your curling iron with an Iceland 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 an Iceland power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Iceland.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Iceland or any other country.

Travelling to Iceland with a curling iron

Should I bring domestic curling iron or dual voltage curling iron to Iceland?

Packing a dual voltage travel curling iron is preferable to bringing your existing curling iron as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with an Iceland power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Iceland. Be aware that packing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler in Iceland. The cost and inconvenience of replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Iceland might overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before travelling to bring with you. 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 shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without risk of burning.  [10] [AD]

Can I carry on a curling iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Iceland will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible when going through airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping wires tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Power converters for Iceland

Do you need a power converter for Iceland to use your curling iron?

The correct model of power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your curling iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Iceland. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to use their own curling iron, however it could be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it will be to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet found in Iceland, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 230 volts from an Iceland power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

A step by step guide showing you how to use your curling iron in Iceland using a 2 prong Type C travel adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Iceland; consult the user guide for more details on where the switch is.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Iceland won't take the plug shape on your curling iron. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use in an electrical outlet found in Iceland 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. Plug in the Type C plug adapter in the Iceland power outlet. This ungrounded wall supply can be recognised by the 2 holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Iceland power outlet. You can now turn on the curling iron in Iceland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Iceland using a type C power adapter

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

A guide on how to power a curling iron in Iceland with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply; if it doesn't then do not proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Iceland, please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Iceland you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in Iceland simply 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. Insert the Type F plug adapter in the Iceland power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Iceland power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on the curling iron for use in Iceland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Iceland using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Iceland
  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.