How do I use a curling iron in Norway?

Norwegian power outlet

Summary

First check that your curling iron can handle the voltage in Norway:

If not then:

  • Use a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] - you may still need to use a suitable power adapter for Norway 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 240 volt Norwegian power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A voltage transformer will change the voltage but not the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Norway, therefore check that your power converter has an appropriate power adapter for Norway otherwise you will still need to bring another power adapter. Be aware that your own existing curling iron might not be suited for travel and you risk potential damage in transit. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 240 volts you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, blowing a fuse or damage to your curling iron. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Norway read the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Norway

Will my curling iron work in Norway?

This will depend on if your curling iron can handle the 240 volts as used in Norway. If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 240 volts and you have the correct plug adapter then you should be able to use it in Norway. 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 do you need a voltage converter to use your domestic curling iron for help deciding which option is more suitable. [7] [AD]

Can I use my American curling iron in Norway?

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

Norway power outlets and plug sockets

What is the electrical frequency used in Norway?

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

What is the mains voltage in Norway?

Power outlets in Norway are 240 volts.

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Norway?

Type C and F power outlets

Which plug adapter do you need for using a curling iron in Norway?

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

  • Plug Type C - This power socket (called a Europlug) is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  • Plug Type F - You can identify the plug socket by the two holes 19 mm apart from each other where the live and neutral plug socket pins go along with grounding clips above and below.

A Type F plug adapter will allow you to use a 240 volt curling iron in Norway, read the step-by-step instructions below for full details of how to use a curling iron in Norway using a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage curling iron you will need to see if you also have to use a power converter.  [6] [9] [AD]

Dual voltage curling irons

Is my curling iron dual voltage?

An easy way how to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug or handle of your curling iron. This location will vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a button which allows you to toggle between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 240 volts used in Norway then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Norwegian power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 240 volts used in a Norwegian power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you can use it in Norway.
  • Dual voltage will typically say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Norway or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Norway with a curling iron

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

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered curling iron in your carry on hand luggage through airport security in the United States. The TSA also recommends that you should check that your airline which is taking you to Norway will allow a curling iron 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 cables tightly around electronic items such as curling irons). If you intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against bumps and knocks during your journey.   [10] [11] [12] [AD]

Is it safe to bring my curling iron to Norway?

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to packing your existing domestic curling iron to Norway as it ensures that it will work with the 240 volt power outlets used with a Norwegian power outlet, as long as you bring the correct plug adapter for Norway.

Please be aware that bringing expensive domestic curling iron could put it at risk due to potential damage or loss in transit by an airport baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in repairing an expensive quality curling iron in Norway could overshadow the cost of buying a cheap dual voltage travel curling iron [2] . If you intend to pack your own personal curling iron in your luggage either slide it inside a boot or sneaker to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a heat resistant and shockproof hot tools travel case which also allows the curling iron to be packed immediately after use without risk of burning.  [11] [AD]

Power converters for Norway

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

Voltage converter

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

A cheap, small and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Norway, however a heavy and bulkier power converter will transform the voltage of 240 volts from a Norwegian power outlet to work with a non-240 volt curling iron. [7] [AD]

Do you need a voltage converter in Norway to use a curling iron?

The correct model of voltage transformer (or power converter) will allow your curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 240 volt power outlet used in Norway. A power converter is more suited for travellers who want to use their existing curling iron, but it might be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron [2]. In addition, a travel curling iron can be substantially smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when travelling. [7] [AD]

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

How to use a curling iron in Norway by using a Type C travel adapter.

  1. Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not continue as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron ensure the switch is set to the 240 volt setting - please refer to the instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. You will need to bring a Type C plug adapter [4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet which is used in Norway. This power adapter is designed to adapt different plugs from other countries for use with an electrical outlet found in Norway simply by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin by taking the Type C plug adapter and plugging it into the Norwegian power outlet. This unearthed wall supply (sometimes called a Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug) is recognised by the two circular adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Then plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Norwegian power outlet.
  6. Your curling iron can now be used in Norway. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Norway using a type C power adapter

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

How to use your curling iron in Norway using a Type F power charger.

  1. Please make sure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron [2] or works with a 240 volt power outlet; if it doesn't then do not attempt these instructions because you may 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 ensure the switch is set to accept 240 volts - refer to the instructions to find out where the switch is.
  2. You will need to bring a Type F plug adapter [6] if the shape of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Norway. This Type F plug adapter is designed to adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries for use with an electrical outlet used in Norway 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 240 volt supply.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type F plug adapter and plugging it in the Norwegian power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by two 4.8mm circular adjacent holes next to each other and a pair of two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  4. Plug in the curling iron into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Norwegian power outlet. The curling iron can now be used in Norway. [AD]
How to use a curling iron in Norway using a type F power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Norway country 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 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.