How do I use my curling iron in Denmark?

Danish power outlet

Summary

Check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Denmark:

  • If your curling iron can run on 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how you can check) then you will only need to bring a suitable power adapter listed below if the plug on your curling iron will not fit.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Denmark but 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 a 230 volt Danish power outlet, however this is significantly bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Denmark, so please check that the power converter has a power adapter for Denmark otherwise you will still need to purchase another power adapter. Note - your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travelling and you could risk damage in transit. [5] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts used in Denmark you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before using your curling iron in Denmark please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Denmark

Will my curling iron work in Denmark?

That depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volt power outlets used in Denmark. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can handle 230 volts and you have the appropriate plug adapter then you'll be able to use the curling iron in Denmark. If not then you will need to consider purchasing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter. Read the guide on do you need a power converter to use a curling iron for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [5] [AD]

Denmark power outlets and plug sockets

What frequency is used in Denmark?

The frequency of the current used in a Danish power outlet is 50 Hz. [6]

What is the voltage in Denmark?

Power outlets in Denmark are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Denmark?

The best power adapter for Denmark will be a Type K power adapter which will allow you to use any 230 volt curling iron.  [4] [7] [AD]

Which travel adapter will you need for using a curling iron in Denmark?

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 handle dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or the handle. The location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

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

Travelling to Denmark with a curling iron

Can you carry on a curling iron to Denmark in your hand luggage?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline who is taking you to Denmark will allow curling irons 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 checks, it can be packed away quickly and will avoid a tangle of cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around 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 drops and knocks during transit.   [8] [9] [10] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Denmark?

It is preferable to bring a dual voltage curling iron instead of packing your existing domestic curling iron to Denmark as it ensures that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Danish power outlet, as long as you use the correct plug adapter for Denmark. Please note that packing expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk because of potential loss or damage in your check in luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Denmark could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your luggage it is recommended to either slide it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light damage, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case which will also allow the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.  [9] [AD]

Power converters for Denmark

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

Voltage converter

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

A heavy and bulky power converter converts a 230 volt Danish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron, but a more lightweight and smaller power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Denmark. [5] [AD]

Do you need a power converter in Denmark to use your curling iron?

A voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate using a 230 volt power outlet used in Denmark. A power converter is more suited for travellers who wish to bring along their own domestic curling iron, but it could be a lot cheaper to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to purchase a power converter. In addition, a travel curling iron can be significantly smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable for packing. [5] [AD]

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

How to power a curling iron in Denmark using a Type K power adapter.

  1. Check that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet; but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 230 volts for use in Denmark - please refer to the owners manual to find out where the switch is located.
  2. You will need to use a Type K plug adapter [4] if the shape of the power outlet which is used in Denmark isn't the same shape as the plug shape of your curling iron. This Type K plug adapter will adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet found in Denmark simply by changing the shape of the plug, but it doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type K plug adapter into the Danish power outlet. This power outlet, sometimes called the Type K power outlet [3], can be identified by the 3 holes forming an upside-down triangle pattern with the bottom hole being in a semicircular shape.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type K plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Danish power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron is now ready to be used in Denmark. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Denmark using a type K power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Danish Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel curling iron
  3. iec.ch - Type K power outlet
  4. 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..
  5. 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..
  6. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  7. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  8. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for curling irons -
  9. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  10. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.