Iceland Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Iceland, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type C (CEE 7/16 (Europlug), two round pins, ungrounded) and Type F (CEE 7/4 (Schuko), two round pins with grounding clips on sides, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 230V and 50Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Iceland.
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Iceland uses:
Power Sockets and Plug Types in Iceland
An Iceland power plug comes in one of two forms: the two-pin Type C Europlug or the grounded Type F Schuko plug. Iceland's AC power plugs and sockets run on 230V at 50Hz, matching the standard used across most of Europe. Travelers from North America, the UK, and other regions with different socket-outlet standards will need a travel adaptor to connect their devices safely.
Type C is the compact, ungrounded Europlug with two round 4mm pins, rated for low-power electronics up to 2.5A such as phone chargers, cameras, and laptops. Type F, the Schuko plug, features two 4.8mm pins with side grounding clips and is rated for 16A, making it suitable for higher-power appliances like washing machines and kettles. Both plug types are common in Icelandic homes, hotels, and businesses.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
Since Iceland operates on a 230V, 50Hz electrical system, visitors from countries with similar voltage ranges (220-240V) do not need a voltage converter. However, travelers from countries running on 100-127V systems, such as the United States, Canada, or Japan, may need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage. Most modern electronics like phone chargers, laptop adapters, and camera chargers are dual-voltage and only require a simple travel adaptor rather than a converter.
Do All Sockets in Iceland Look the Same?
Not exactly, though the vast majority of sockets in Iceland are designed for the Type F Schuko plug, which is deeply recessed for safety and splash protection. These sockets also accommodate Type C Europlugs, since the two round pins of the Europlug fit into the same holes, though without a grounding connection. This compatibility means most low-power devices with a Type C plug will work in Icelandic outlets without needing an adapter.
Iceland Electrical Outlets Explained
Icelandic electrical outlets are built to accept both round-pin plug types used in the country. The Type F socket is recessed into the wall, which prevents accidental contact with live parts and makes it safe for use in bathrooms and other damp locations. Because Type C Europlugs fit into Type F sockets, travelers carrying only low-power devices often find they can plug in directly without any adapter, though grounded appliances will require an actual Type F plug or an adapter that supports grounding.
- Type C (Europlug): two round 4mm pins, ungrounded, rated up to 2.5A, ideal for phones, tablets, and small electronics
- Type F (Schuko): two round 4.8mm pins with side grounding clips, rated up to 16A, suitable for high-power appliances
- Both plug types operate on Iceland's standard 230V, 50Hz electrical supply
- Type F sockets are recessed for added safety and are common throughout Icelandic homes and accommodations
Frequently Asked Questions
If your devices use a plug type other than Type C or Type F, you will need a travel adaptor to fit Icelandic socket-outlets. Visitors from the UK, US, Australia, and many other regions typically need an adapter since their home plug shapes differ from Iceland's round-pin standards.
Pack a travel adaptor that converts your home plug to Type C or Type F, especially if you're bringing grounded appliances that require the 16A Type F Schuko plug. For low-power electronics like phone chargers, a simple Type C-compatible adapter is usually sufficient.
Yes, most phone chargers are dual-voltage and can handle Iceland's 230V, 50Hz supply without a converter. You'll just need a travel adaptor to physically fit your charger's plug into an Icelandic Type C or Type F socket-outlet.
Iceland uses two plug types: the two-pin ungrounded Type C Europlug, rated for up to 2.5A, and the grounded Type F Schuko plug, rated for up to 16A. Both operate on Iceland's standard 230V, 50Hz electrical system.
