Using a curling iron in Netherlands

Dutch power outlet

Summary

Check your curling iron can work in Netherlands:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Netherlands but 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 curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Dutch power outlet, however this is substantially heavier, bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter will change the voltage but not the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Netherlands, so please check that your voltage transformer includes the correct power adapter for Netherlands otherwise you will still need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Note - your own domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle the 230 volts used in Netherlands you run the risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Netherlands read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Netherlands

Will my curling iron work in Netherlands?

That will depend on if your curling iron can operate using the 230 volts which are used in Netherlands. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron is designed to operate using 230 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Netherlands. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read the guide on will a voltage converter work with a curling iron in Netherlands for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my American curling iron in Netherlands?

The guides on this page assume that you're an America reader travelling to Netherlands and will provide guidance for using your US curling iron with a Dutch power outlet.

Netherlands power outlets and plug sockets

What is the frequency used in a Dutch power outlet?

The frequency from a Dutch power outlet is 50 Hz. [8]

What voltage is used in Netherlands?

Power outlets in Netherlands are 230 volts.

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Netherlands?

Type C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter will you need to use a curling iron in Netherlands?

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

  • Plug Type C - You can identify this power socket by the 2 adjacent holes.
  • Plug Type F - You can recognise the power outlet by two large circular holes 19 mm adjacent to each other for live and neutral, plus a pair of grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter will allow you to use a 230 volt curling iron in Netherlands; read the simple guide below for full details of using a plug adapter for Netherlands. Note that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you might also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple method to tell if your curling iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or the plug. The location might depend on the make and model of your curling iron and could also state on the box or in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage curling irons might change automatically, however other models will feature a button which allows you to toggle 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 230 volts used in Netherlands then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Dutch 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 Dutch power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Netherlands.
  • A large voltage range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage curling iron capable of being used in Netherlands or any other country.

Travelling to Netherlands with a curling iron

Can curling irons go in my carry on hand luggage to Netherlands?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there are no restrictions when bringing a mains powered curling iron in your hand luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should verify that the airline which is taking you to Netherlands will allow curling irons onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.

Packing your curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case leaves it easily accessible by airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly and should avoid a tangle of power wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA suggests wrapping cords tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the most protection against knocks and bumps during transit.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Netherlands?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Netherlands as it ensures that it will work with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Dutch power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Netherlands.

Note that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might put it at risk due to potential loss or damage in your check in suitcase by airport baggage handlers. The inconvenience and costs of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Netherlands might overshadow the cost of buying a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron [2] before setting off. If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your suitcase either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light damage, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be transported right after use without waiting to cool down.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Netherlands

Do I need a voltage converter to use my curling iron in Netherlands?

A suitable voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Netherlands. A power converter is suitable for travellers who wish to use their existing curling iron, but it could be considerably cheaper to purchase a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2] than it is to buy a power converter. Also worth noting, a power converter is noticeably bulkier and heavier than a travel curling iron making a power converter less suited for travelling. [7] [AD]

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

Voltage converter

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

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to slot into a power outlet in Netherlands, however a more expensive and heavier power converter converts a 230 volt Dutch power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

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

A page on how to power a curling iron in Netherlands with a two pin Type C power charger.

  1. Make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue because you may damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts for use in Netherlands; please consult the user guide for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same shape as the outlet used in Netherlands you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. The power adapter will fit different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Netherlands simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First you'll need to plug in the Type C plug adapter in the wall outlet. The power supply (sometimes known as a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by the two round adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Dutch power outlet. You can now switch on your curling iron in Netherlands. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Netherlands using a type C power adapter

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

How to power a curling iron in Netherlands by using a two pin Type F travel charger.

  1. Ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or is compatible with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to accept 230 volts to use in Netherlands; consult the owners manual for more details on how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your curling iron isn't the same type of outlet used in Netherlands you will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6]. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into an electrical outlet in Netherlands by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.
  3. First plug in the Type F plug adapter into the wall outlet. The recessed circular power supply can be identified by the two large circular holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral along with metal grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in your curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Dutch power outlet.
  6. The curling iron can now be used in Netherlands. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Netherlands using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Netherlands
  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 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 curling irons -
  11. Hard case for hot tools - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a flat irons, curling irons and hair straighteners.
  12. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.