Travel Adapter for Denmark

4 things to consider when buying a Travel Adapter for Denmark

There can be several reasons why you need a travel adapter for Danish power outlets.

It could be that you have a friend visiting from abroad and they need to charge their devices, or you have ordered some electronics from abroad and you want to ensure that it can be connected to Danish sockets.

Below we provide a number of considerations you can make before purchasing a travel adapter, so you are sure to get the right product for your needs.

#1 - What type of plug do I need to convert from?

There are many different power plugs in the world, and it is therefore important to know which one you are using before choosing a travel adapter.

Different countries use different power plugs and to choose the right adapter, you need to know which one you use.

There are adapters that can only connect one type of power plug, while others are modular and can connect a variety of different types of power plugs.

The most common plugs found in Europe are those known as Type C and Type E, which we also recognize from Denmark.

However, there are also plugs that are completely incompatible with Danish sockets, such as the American Type A and B plugs, or the UK's Type G plug.

It is therefore important to investigate which plugs your devices or electronics require before purchasing an adapter, to ensure you get the right product.

#2 - What voltage do your devices require?

One of the most important things to consider when looking at a travel adapter is whether the voltage of the power supply is different where the potential electronics come from.

The travel adapter only allows you to connect devices to Danish power outlets, but it does not convert the voltage to a usable level.

In Denmark's power grid, we use a voltage of 230V, which is the same as the majority of Europe.

However, it is not certain that countries outside of Europe use the same voltage.

For example, the power grids of the USA and Canada only use 120V, while countries like Japan and Taiwan use a voltage between 100V and 127V, which is significantly lower than in Europe.

This means that devices designed for use in the USA have a very high chance of being overloaded if connected to the Danish power supply.

For this reason, it is very important to investigate what voltage the electronics can handle before connecting to a new power supply when abroad.

#3 - What frequency can my devices tolerate?

When discussing electricity, we often talk mostly about volts or watts, but there is also another measurement of electricity, which is its frequency in Hz.

Different countries may use a different power frequency than what we are used to.

For example, the USA's power grid operates at a frequency of 60Hz instead of the 50Hz that we are used to in Denmark.

The travel adapter only allows you to connect your devices to the electricity, but it does not convert the electricity to the correct frequency that the devices require.

This means your devices are not always protected against this form of electricity and may be overloaded, or the devices may behave differently than you are used to.

For example, a clock designed to run on a 50Hz power supply will run faster if connected to a 60Hz power supply.

It is therefore important to investigate whether the devices you plan to bring on your trip can handle a different power frequency, as otherwise you may overload them.

#4 - Do I need a Power converter?

If your devices are not compatible with the voltage or frequency of the power grid but you still want to use them, you may need a Power Converter.

Power Converters are an extra device you connect to the travel adapter, to ensure that both the voltage and frequency of the electricity are converted to a level that your devices can use.

If your devices cannot handle the voltage or frequency in Denmark, it is best to purchase a Power Converter that can connect to the travel adapter to ensure your electronics do not suffer damage.

Types of Foreign Power Plugs

There are many different types of power plugs around the world.

Here we provide a brief overview of some of the different types of plugs you can find, so you know which type of plug to use in your adapter.

Australian Plug

Australia uses a power plug known as the Type I plug.

This plug has three flat elongated pins arranged in a triangular shape, where you have two pins on top and one pin below them.

Australia's power grid operates at a voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz, which is in line with European standards.

Danish Plug

The common Danish power plug is generally known as Type C and consists of a round socket with two pins into which the power plug is inserted.

Type E has two pins plus additional earth connections along the edge of the plug.

Type F has two pins, plus a female socket for the earth connection from the power plug itself.

Type K is very similar to Type C but has an additional pin that provides earth connection and ensures more protection against short circuits.

In Denmark, we use a voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz, which is especially important to be aware of when using electronics from the USA.

Italian Plug

In Italy, we find both Type C and Type F plugs, which we recognize from Denmark.

The two types of plugs will be fully compatible with Danish electronics and vice versa.

However, there is also a third plug in Italy, Type L.

Type L has 3 pins aligned horizontally and is quite recognizable.

Italy uses 230V and 50Hz, so it is fully compatible with devices from the rest of Europe.

Swiss Plug

Switzerland uses two types of plugs, Type C and Type J.

The Type C plug is known from Denmark, while the Type J plug is only used in Switzerland and Liechtenstein in Europe.

Type J is a diamond-shaped plug with three pins.

Switzerland uses the same standards for electricity as the rest of Europe and operates at 230V, 50Hz.

UK Plug

In the UK, only one type of power plug, Type G, is typically used.

This plug can be recognized by its three flat and elongated pins arranged in a triangular shape, with one pin at the top and two pins at the bottom.

The UK uses a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz, meaning that as a Dane, you do not need a power converter for British electronics.

US Plug

In the USA, two different types of power plugs are used, Type A and B.

Type A is an elongated form with two flat elongated pins that must be inserted into the power outlet.

Type B is very similar to Type A, with two flat pins, but also has a third pin that connects to an earth connection in the power outlet.

The USA generally uses 120V with a frequency of 60Hz, which you need to be aware of when using electronics not designed for that level of voltage and frequency.