Otis Singleton
Iceland uses the standard European plug with Type C and Type F sockets. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type F plugs have two round pins with two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage in Iceland is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz, so if you are visiting from overseas, you may need a power plug travel adapter and/or a voltage converter for your electrical devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plug Types | C and F |
| Plug Type C | Two round pins |
| Plug Type F | Two round pins with two earth clips on the side |
| Supply Voltage | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Multi-adapter | Allows plugging of all sorts of plugs into different outlets |
| Single adapter | Allows plugging into one outlet |
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What You'll Learn
Iceland's standard voltage is 230V
Voltage is the "push" of electricity through a circuit, and it differs from country to country. If you try to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply, you risk damaging your device, melting the converter, or even starting an electrical fire. Therefore, it is important to check the voltage rating of your appliances before travelling to Iceland.
Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously. Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors. All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.
Adapters, on the other hand, do not convert voltage. Instead, they allow you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. Iceland uses the standard European plug with Type C and Type F sockets. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type F plugs have two round pins with two earth clips on the side. If you are travelling to Iceland from the UK, you will need to bring a power plug travel adapter for Type F sockets, as the UK uses Type G.
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The frequency is 50Hz
Iceland uses electricity at a frequency of 50Hz. This is the standard frequency for electrical supply in Europe. If you are travelling to Iceland from a country with a different frequency, such as the United States or Canada, which use 60Hz electricity, you will need to be cautious. Using an electrical appliance in a country with a different frequency to what it is designed for may affect its normal operation. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply.
In addition to the frequency, the voltage of electricity in Iceland is 230V. This is within the common voltage range of 100V to 240V found in different countries. However, the voltage in the United States and Canada, for example, is only 110-120V. Therefore, if you are travelling to Iceland from North America, you will need to use a voltage converter or transformer alongside your power plug adaptor.
Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor. However, it is important to note that all converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating, so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating. You can determine whether you will need to use a converter or transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage-rated appliance will display 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body of the appliance or its power supply. In this case, you will only need a travel adaptor, as Iceland's voltage of 230V falls within the range of 110-240V.
In Iceland, the plug types are C and F. Plug type C has two round pins, while plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. These are the standard European plug types.
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Type F sockets are standard
Voltage converters and transformers can be used to enable the use of devices with different voltage requirements. Most voltage converters and transformers are supplied with plug adaptors, but it is important to check the maximum power rating to ensure it is compatible with your appliance. Dual voltage-rated appliances will not require a converter or transformer, but you may still need a travel adaptor to fit the Icelandic Type F sockets.
Travel adaptors are widely available in Iceland and can be purchased at the duty-free store in Keflavík Airport, as well as in electronic stores, souvenir shops, bookstores, and some major hotels. It is important to note that travel adaptors do not convert voltage or frequency, so you should always check the voltage requirements of your devices before plugging them in. Using an electrical appliance with the wrong voltage can be extremely dangerous and may damage the device, melt the converter, or even start an electrical fire.
Some common appliances such as laptop chargers, digital camera chargers, and mobile phone chargers may already be compatible with multiple voltages and may only require a travel adaptor to fit the Type F sockets in Iceland. It is always a good idea to check the voltage labels on your appliances before travelling to ensure you have the correct adaptors or converters. If you are visiting Iceland from overseas, it is recommended that you do not bring a hairdryer, as these often have different voltage requirements and may not be compatible with the power supply in Iceland.
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Type C sockets are rare
If you are travelling to Iceland, it is important to know that you will need a power plug travel adapter. The power sockets in Iceland are of type F, which is the standard European plug with two round pins and two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage in Iceland is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. While type C sockets, with two round pins, used to be common in Iceland, they are now rare. Older properties with type C sockets are almost always completely rewired during renovations or significant alterations. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will encounter a type C socket during your stay in Iceland.
It is worth noting that some electrical appliances may require a voltage converter or transformer to function safely and properly in Iceland. If you are bringing single voltage-rated appliances, they will need to operate at the same voltage as Iceland's supply voltage of 230V. Most voltage converters and transformers come with plug adapters, so you may not need to purchase a separate travel adapter. However, it is important to check the maximum power rating of the converter or transformer to ensure it matches the appliance's requirements.
Additionally, some appliances may already be compatible with multiple voltages and may only need a travel adapter. Devices such as laptop chargers, digital camera chargers, or mobile phone chargers often fall into this category. It is recommended to check the voltage labels on your appliances or chargers to determine if you need to bring an adapter or a converter and adapter combination.
Adapters and converters are readily available in Iceland at various locations, including the duty-free store in Keflavík Airport, electronic stores, souvenir shops, bookstores, and some major hotels. By taking the necessary precautions and obtaining the appropriate adapters and converters, you can ensure a safe and convenient electrical connection during your stay in Iceland.
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You may need a power plug adapter
If you're travelling to Iceland, you may need a power plug adapter. Iceland uses the standard European plug with Type C and Type F sockets. Type C plugs have two round pins, while Type F plugs have two round pins and two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage in Iceland is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
If you're coming from the UK, you will need an adapter plug. The UK uses Type G plugs, which will not fit into the sockets in Iceland. You can buy single or multi-adapters, depending on your needs. A single adapter will allow you to plug into one specific outlet type, while a multi-adapter can be used with various plug types and usually has different ways to release the plugs.
It's important to note that adapters only change the shape of the plug and do not convert voltage or frequency. If you're bringing electrical appliances with you, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer in addition to an adapter. Voltage converters and transformers perform a similar function but are used for different types of appliances. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while transformers can be used with appliances that operate continuously.
You can determine whether you need a converter or transformer by checking the appliance's rating plate. If the appliance is dual voltage rated, it will display an input range, such as 'INPUT: 110-240V'. In this case, you will only need a travel adapter, as Iceland's voltage of 230V falls within this range. However, if the appliance is single voltage rated, it must match the supply voltage in Iceland (230V) to operate safely. If it does not, you will need to use it with a voltage converter or transformer.
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Frequently asked questions
The power sockets in Iceland are of type F, which has two round pins and two earth clips on the side. Type C sockets, which have two round pins, can also be found but are less common.
The standard voltage in Iceland is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Yes, if you are visiting from a country that uses different types of plugs, you will need a power plug (travel) adapter.
It depends on the device. Some devices, such as Apple chargers, support a wide range of voltages (100 to 2400 volts), so you may not need a converter. However, if your device is single voltage-rated and operates at a different voltage than Iceland's (230V), you will need a voltage converter or transformer.
Power adapters and converters for Iceland can often be purchased at duty-free stores in airports, electronic stores, souvenir shops, bookstores, and some major hotels.
