How do I use a curling iron in Greenland?

Greenlandic power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can work in Greenland:

  • If your curling iron can run on 220 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can tell) then you will only need to bring the right power adapter listed on this page if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then you can either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use the right power adapter for Greenland however these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for the rigors of travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 220 volt Greenlandic power outlet, however this is substantially heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but not the actual shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the types of wall outlet used in Greenland, therefore please check that your voltage transformer has the right power adapter for Greenland otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in your suitcase. [10] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 220 volts used in Greenland you run the risk of damage to your curling iron, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Greenland check the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Greenland

Will my curling iron work in Greenland?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 220 volt power outlets used in Greenland. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to handle 220 volts and you have the correct power adapter then you'll be able to use your curling iron in Greenland. If not then you will need to consider using either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on will a voltage converter work with your domestic curling iron in Greenland for help deciding which option is more suitable. [10] [AD]

Greenland power outlets and plug sockets

What mains voltage is used in Greenland?

Power outlets in Greenland are 220 volts.

What frequency is used in Greenland?

The frequency used in a Greenlandic power outlet is 50 Hz. [11]

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling 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 - The wall socket, technically called the Europlug, can be recognised by the 2 round holes adjacent to each other where the twin plug socket pins sit.
  • Plug Type E - You can identify the wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes for live and neutral plus one metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise this wall socket by two large round adjacent holes where the twin pins go, plus thin grounding clips above and below.
  • Plug Type K - You can recognise this wall socket by three holes in a triangle configuration with the bottom hole being in a semicircle shape.

A Type E plug adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt curling iron in Greenland; read the step by step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Greenland. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to check if you need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [12] [AD]

Which power adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Greenland?

Dual voltage curling irons

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

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron will support a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your curling iron and could also be written on the box. Some dual voltage models can change automatically but other models will have a button or switch which allows you to operate between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage curling iron. If this number matches the 220 volts used in Greenland then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Greenlandic 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 220 volts used in a Greenlandic power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Greenland.
  • A larger voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Greenland or any other country.

Travelling to Greenland with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA suggests that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Greenland will allow curling irons 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 cords in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). 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 offers the most protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [13] [14] [15] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Greenland?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Greenland as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a Greenlandic power outlet, as long as you bring the correct power adapter for Greenland. Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron could place it at risk due to potential loss or damage in transit by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs involved in repairing or replacing an expensive specialised domestic curling iron in Greenland could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to bring along your own curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported whilst hot without risk of burning.  [14] [AD]

Power converters for Greenland

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

Voltage converter

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

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet in Greenland, however a more expensive and heavier power converter will transform a 220 volt Greenlandic power outlet to work with a non-220 volt curling iron. [10] [AD]

Do I need a power converter to use a curling iron in Greenland?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a curling iron using a different voltage to work with the 220 volt power outlet used in Greenland. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic curling iron can use a power converter, but it can be cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling compared to a travel curling iron. [10] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in Greenland using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power supply - if it doesn't then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 220 volts for use in Greenland - refer to the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet used in Greenland doesn't take the plug shape of your curling iron. This plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Greenland by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Begin by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the Greenlandic power outlet. This unearthed plug supply (sometimes called a Europlug) can be recognised by the 2 circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your curling iron for use in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Greenland using a type C power adapter

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

Instructions showing how to use your curling iron in Greenland with a two prong Type E power charger.

  1. Check that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you could damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting to use in Greenland; please refer to the owners manual for more details on where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Greenland you'll need to buy a Type E plug adapter [6]. The Type E plug adapter will help convert different plugs from other countries for a power outlet in Greenland simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the voltage of your curling iron to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start the process by taking the Type E plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The sunken round plug outlet, also known as the Type E power outlet [5] or CEE 7/7 plug, can be identified by the two large holes 19mm adjacent to each other and a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top to form a triangle shape.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type E plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet. Your hair curling iron can now be used in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Greenland using a type E power adapter

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

How to power your curling iron in Greenland using a Type F travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Greenland - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Greenland doesn't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Greenland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type F plug adapter into the Greenlandic power outlet. The circular plug supply can be recognised by the two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin plug outlet pins sit and a pair of two metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  4. Then plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. The hair curling iron can now be used in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Greenland using a type F power adapter

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

How to use a curling iron in Greenland with a Type K power adapter.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or can work with a 220 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't attempt these instructions as you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel curling irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron make sure the switch is set to accept 220 volts to use in Greenland - please refer to the user guide to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet used in Greenland doesn't accomodate the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to bring a Type K plug adapter [9]. This Type K plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Greenland simply by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by plugging the Type K plug adapter into the Greenlandic power outlet. The wall outlet, technically called the Type K power outlet [8], can be identified by the 3 large holes forming an inverted triangular pattern for live, neutral and earth pins.
  4. After that plug in the curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Greenlandic power outlet.
  6. The curling iron is now ready to be used in Greenland. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Greenland using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Greenland Wikipedia page
  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 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 curling irons -
  14. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  15. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.