How to use your clothes iron in Iceland

Iceland power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Iceland:

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need to use the correct power adapter for Iceland however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with an 230 volt Iceland power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Iceland, so please check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Iceland otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your personal clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Iceland you run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your clothes iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Prior to using your clothes iron in Iceland read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Iceland

Will my clothes iron work in Iceland?

That depends on if your clothes iron is designed to handle the 230 volts as used in Iceland:

Iceland power outlets and plug sockets

What electrical frequency is used in Iceland?

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

What voltage is used in Iceland?

Power outlets in Iceland are 230 volts.

Which power adapter do you need to use a clothes iron in Iceland?

Type C and F power outlets

Which power adapter do you need to use a clothes 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 wall outlet by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this wall outlet by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes next to each other and grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Iceland; read the simple guide below for full details of how to use a plug adapter for Iceland. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

The way to tell if your clothes iron will handle a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, base or handle of the clothes iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other models will have 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 Iceland then you should be able to use your clothes iron with an Iceland 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 an Iceland power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Iceland.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage clothes iron capable of being used in Iceland or any other country.

Travelling to Iceland with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in my hand luggage to Iceland?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline that is taking you to Iceland will allow clothes irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping cords tightly around electric items such as 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 knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Iceland

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 230 volts from an Iceland power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Iceland. [7] [AD]

Can I use my clothes iron with a converter in Iceland?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to work using a 230 volt power outlet used in Iceland. Travellers wishing to use their own domestic clothes iron can use a power converter, however it could be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a power converter is significantly bulkier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for packing in luggage compared to a travel clothes iron. [7] [AD]

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

Instructions showing how to power a clothes iron in Iceland by using a Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't attempt these instructions as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts, refer to the instructions for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Iceland isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet used in Iceland simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Iceland power outlet. This unearthed power supply (called a Type C power outlet [3]) is recognised by the 2 holes next to each other.
  4. Next plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Iceland power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Iceland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Iceland using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your clothes iron in Iceland with a two pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Make sure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then don't proceed because you might create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts - please consult the user guide for more details on where this switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Iceland isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Iceland simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 230 volt outlet.
  3. Start the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the Iceland power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two holes 19 mm apart from each other where the two pins slide into along with a pair of grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Iceland power outlet. You can now switch on your iron to use in Iceland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Iceland using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Iceland Wikipedia page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel 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 clothes irons -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.