Which plug adapter do I need for using a clothes iron in Sweden?

Swedish power outlet

Summary

Check your clothes iron can work in Sweden:

  • If your clothes iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you will only need to use the correct power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron won't fit.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need the correct power adapter for Sweden 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 a 230 volt Swedish power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A voltage transformer changes the voltage but won't change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Sweden, so please check that your power converter comes with an appropriate power adapter for Sweden otherwise you will also need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own domestic clothes iron might not be suitable for travelling and you could risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Sweden you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Before attempting to use your clothes iron in Sweden please check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Sweden

Will my clothes iron work in Sweden?

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

Sweden power outlets and plug sockets

What voltage is used in Sweden?

Power outlets in Sweden are 230 volts.

What electrical frequency is used with a Swedish power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current used in a Swedish power outlet is 50Hz. [8]

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Sweden?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to bring when using a clothes 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 - The plug socket, technically known as the Europlug, is recognised by the two round adjacent holes where the twin pins slide into.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this wall outlet by two holes 19 mm next to each other where the twin pins slide into along with a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Sweden, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of using a clothes iron in Sweden with a travel adapter. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also have 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 supports dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of your clothes iron. This location might depend on the make and model of your clothes iron, it should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons can change automatically but other irons will have a switch which allows you to toggle between different regions.

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

Travelling to Sweden with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron in my hand luggage?

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 flying you to Sweden 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 suggests wrapping cables tightly around clothes irons. If you intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Sweden

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

Voltage converter

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

An expensive and bulky power converter transforms a 230 volt Swedish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet in Sweden. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter to use a clothes iron in Sweden?

A suitable power converter (or voltage transformer) allows your clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Sweden. A power converter is suitable for travellers wishing to bring along their existing clothes iron, but it might be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suited for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Sweden by using a 2 pinned Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. 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 - please consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same shape as the plug outlet used in Sweden. This power adapter will convert plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet in Sweden 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 supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter in the Swedish power outlet. The power outlet, sometimes known as the Europlug, is recognised by the two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  4. Then plug in the clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Swedish power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Sweden. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Sweden using a type C power adapter

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

A step-by-step guide showing you how to power a clothes iron in Sweden by using a 2 pinned Type F travel adapter.

  1. Please make sure that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply - but if it doesn't then do not continue as you could create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure the switch is set to the 230 volt setting for use in Sweden, please consult the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Sweden isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter helps fit plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet in Sweden 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 supply.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. This sunken round power supply, also called a Type F power outlet [5], can be recognised by the two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins, plus a pair of two thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Swedish power outlet.
  6. The iron can now be used in Sweden. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Sweden using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org entry about Sweden
  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.