Charging the iPad in England

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a 3 pin Type G USB charger to power the iPad with a British power outlet.

British power outlet

Varying different combinations of region codes and sockets can often lead to confusion when planning on staying in a different country, especially if you've never visited before. These instructions have been written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPad abroad.The following step by step guide will show you exactly how to supply power to your iPad when staying in England by using their 230 volt 50Hz Type G British power outlet, with the Britons using a BS 1363 13 amp plug for power outlets. If visiting England from a different country please ensure that your iPad can be used with a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts ensure your device is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from overloading when charging it. If you are planning on staying somewhere like London or Liverpool please read the England Wikipedia web page [1] for more indepth details. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in England

Can you use the iPad in England?

Yes, you can connect the iPad to a British power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPad in England?

If you are travelling to multiple countries and bringing more than just your iPad the best international travel charger for England to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by changing the included plugs over. If your iPad is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times by using one of these travel adapters plus additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port adapter will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to bring seperate power adapters on your British trip or using up additional wall outlets. Only needing to bring a single travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being on hand for recharging your iPad at the airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple phones and tablets using just a single wall outlet.

If you travel to England we recommend buying an adaptable power adapter of this nature online. The travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for England

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPad, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both England and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from America visiting England.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and offers almost the same functionality as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting England. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPad in England?

Charging the iPad from a British power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a three pinned Type G power charger to recharge the iPad from a British power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPad from the British power outlet you will need to buy a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally supply this USB cable when you purchase your iPad).
  2. Insert the Type G USB power plug adapter into the British power outlet. This wall outlet (technically known as a Type G power outlet [3]) looks like 3 rectangular holes with shutters forming a triangle shape.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the British power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging which takes around 1-4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a British power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - England Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable charging..
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..