How do I use my clothes iron in Finland?

Finnish power outlet

Summary

Check that your clothes iron can handle the voltage in Finland:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 230 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to bring an appropriate power adapter listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Finland but 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 Finnish power outlet, however this is considerably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the physical shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the types of power outlet used in Finland, therefore check that your power converter comes with a power adapter for Finland otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Be aware that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travel and you could risk potential damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 230 volts used in Finland you run the potential risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Finland read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Finland

Will my clothes iron work in Finland?

That will depend on if your clothes iron can handle the 230 volt power outlets used in Finland:

Finland power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used with a Finnish power outlet?

The frequency of the alternating current from a Finnish power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What is the voltage in Finland?

Power outlets in Finland are 230 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Finland?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a clothes iron in Finland?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Finland, these are type F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type C - This unearthed wall socket, technically known as a Europlug, can be identified by two round holes next to each other.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify this power socket by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral and two thin grounding clips on the top and bottom.

A Type F plug adapter allows you to use a 230 volt clothes iron in Finland; read the step by step guide below for full details of using a clothes iron in Finland with a power adapter. Please note that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you might also need to bring a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage travel irons

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

A simple method to tell if your clothes iron will handle dual voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug. This location might depend on the make or model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage clothes irons will change automatically but other models will have a button which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are visiting.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Finland then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Finnish 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 230 volts used in a Finnish power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Finland.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Finland or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Finland with a clothes iron

Can I carry on a clothes iron?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there are no restrictions when carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that your airline which is flying you to Finland 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 advices wrapping cords tightly around clothes irons.

If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Finland

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Finland?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a plug adapter and a voltage converter for Finland?

A heavy and bulky power converter will transform the voltage of 230 volts from a Finnish power outlet to work with a non-230 volt clothes iron, whereas a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit into a power outlet found in Finland. [7] [AD]

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

A power converter (or voltage transformer) will allow a clothes iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Finland. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to bring along their existing domestic clothes iron, but it might be more costly to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. Also worth noting, a travel clothes iron can be noticeably smaller and lighter than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

A step by step guide showing how to use your clothes iron in Finland by using a 2 pin Type C travel charger.

  1. Check that your 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 attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your iron or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Finland, please consult the instructions to find out where the switch is located.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in Finland won't take the plug shape on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter is designed to fit plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet in Finland by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type C plug adapter into the wall outlet. The power supply (called the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your clothes iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Finnish power outlet.
  6. Your iron can now be used in Finland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Finland using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a clothes iron in Finland with a Type F power adapter.

  1. Check that your iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 230 volt power supply but if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Before using a dual voltage travel iron which can toggle between different voltages ensure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Finland; please consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where the switch is found.
  2. If the plug on your clothes iron isn't the same type of outlet which is used in Finland you'll need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. This power adapter is designed to adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for a power outlet found in Finland by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the clothes iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by plugging the Type F plug adapter in the wall outlet. The recessed circular wall supply can be identified by the two 4.8mm holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral pins sit along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. After that plug in the clothes iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Finnish power outlet. Your iron can now be used in Finland. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Finland using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia page about Finland
  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.