Which power adapter will I need to bring to use a clothes iron in Greenland?

Greenlandic power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Greenland:

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use the correct power adapter for Greenland however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Greenlandic power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Greenland, so check that the power converter includes a suitable power adapter for Greenland otherwise you will need to purchase another power adapter. Be aware that your domestic clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk damage in your luggage. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 220 volts you run the risk of damage to your clothes iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Prior to using your clothes iron in Greenland check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Greenland

Will my clothes iron work in Greenland?

That will depend on if your clothes iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Greenland. If you're using either a dual voltage clothes iron or your clothes iron is designed to operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you should be able to use the clothes iron in Greenland. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our guide on do you need a power converter to use your clothes iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [10] [AD]

Greenland power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in a Greenlandic power outlet?

The frequency of the current from a Greenlandic power outlet is 50Hz. [11]

What is the mains voltage in Greenland?

Power outlets in Greenland are 220 volts.

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Greenland?

There are four different types of power outlets used in Greenland, types E, C, F and K with the primary power outlets being type E:

  • Plug Type C - This ungrounded power socket, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify this plug outlet by the two large round holes 19mm apart from each other for live and neutral pins with a single metal earth pin protruding in the top to form a triangle pattern.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round power socket can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral, plus thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  • Plug Type K - You can identify the wall socket by three holes forming an inverted triangular shape for live, neutral and earth.

A Type E power adapter allows you to use a 220 volt clothes iron in Greenland - read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a travel adapter for Greenland. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to use a power converter.  [6] [12] [AD]

Which travel adapter do you need to bring for using a clothes iron in Greenland?
Plug adapters for Greenland

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your clothes iron can accept a dual voltage power outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or plug. The location might vary depending on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage clothes irons might change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Greenland then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Greenlandic 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 220 volts used in a Greenlandic power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you can use it in Greenland.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Greenland or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Greenland with a clothes iron

Can you take a clothes iron in your carry on?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also suggests that you should check that the airline which is flying you to Greenland will allow clothes irons 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 electronic items. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to bring hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against drops and knocks during transit.   [13] [14] [AD]

Power converters for Greenland

Do you need a converter to use your clothes iron in Greenland?

The correct type power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow your clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Greenland. A power converter is more suited for travellers wishing to bring their own clothes iron, but it could be cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is considerably bulkier and heavier than a travel clothes iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel clothes iron. [10] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and expensive power converter converts the voltage of 220 volts from a Greenlandic power outlet to work with a non-220 volt clothes iron, however a cheaper and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Greenland. [10] [AD]

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

A page showing how to use a clothes iron in Greenland with a 2 pronged Type C power charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 220 volt power supply but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Dual voltage irons sometimes have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Greenland, please refer to the manufacturers instructions for more information on where the switch is found.
  2. You will need to use a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of power outlet which is used in Greenland won't accomodate the plug shape of your clothes iron. This plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet used in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to plug the Type C plug adapter in the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply, also known as a Europlug, can be recognised by 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet. You can now switch on the iron to use in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Greenland using a type C power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Greenland using a type E power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Greenland using a two pronged Type E power adapter.

  1. Ensure that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet - if not then don't continue because you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts, consult the owners manual to find out how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type E plug adapter [6] if the type of power outlet used in Greenland isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron. The Type E plug adapter will fit different plugs on appliances from other countries for use in a power outlet in Greenland simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and plugging it in the Greenlandic power outlet. This sunken round power outlet can be recognised by two circular adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral along with a long metal grounding pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  4. Plug in the clothes iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greenlandic power outlet. The clothes iron can now be used in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Greenland using a type E power adapter

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

How to power your clothes iron in Greenland with a Type F travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Greenland - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Greenland. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by two large holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral and a pair of thin grounding clips above and below.
  4. After that plug in your clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. Your clothes iron can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Greenland using a type F power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Greenland using a type K power adapter

A page showing how to use your clothes iron in Greenland with a Type K travel charger.

  1. Please check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't continue because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting to use in Greenland - consult the manufacturers instructions for more information on how to do this.
  2. You'll need to bring a Type K plug adapter [9] if the shape of plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of plug outlet which is used in Greenland. The plug adapter is designed to convert different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type K plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. The wall outlet, sometimes known as the Type K power outlet [8], can be identified by the three holes forming an inverted triangular configuration for the live, neutral and earth.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. You can now switch on the iron to use in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Greenland using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org web page about Greenland
  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 E power outlet
  6. Type E plug adapter - A CEE 7/5 socket and CEE 7/6 plug compliant Type E adapter designed with a focus on safety, featuring two round pins and an earthing hole. Ideal for use in the France, Belgium, Poland and several African nations..
  7. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  8. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  9. Type K plug adapter - A Type K travel adapter enables you to power your foreign devices through Denmark's grounded, 3-pin outlets, compliant with the Danish Plug Equipment Section 107-2-D1 Standard..
  10. 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..
  11. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  12. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  13. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  14. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.