Charging the iPad from a power outlet in Russia

Using a 30 pin cable and a Type C USB adapter to power the iPad with a Russian power outlet and recharging the iPad using a Type F USB plug.

Russian power outlet

When packing for a vacation to Russia it can be useful to know if you can power all your vital electrical devices such as mobiles or tablets that you are bringing with you. Without knowing which plug socket is used in Russia you may end up either bringing unnecessary adaptors or bring the wrong power charger, therefore needing to purchase a suitable power adaptor when you're there which might not be compatible and cause damage to the device. Different standards and sockets can all lead to confusion when planning on visiting another country especially to the first time traveller. These instructions were specifically written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPad abroad.This step by step guide shows you exactly what you'll need to supply power to the iPad when you are visiting Russia using the standard F or C type Russian 220 volt 50Hz plug outlets, a majority of Russians will normally use Type F power outlets. If you are visiting Russia from a different country please check that your iPad can be charged using a 240v supply. If your iPad was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your device is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power converter to avoid the device from overheating during charging. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Russia

Can the iPad be used in Russia?

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

What is the best travel charger for the iPad in Russia?

When travelling to multiple countries then the best travel adapter for Russia is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of plug sockets in Russia (F and C) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPad can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of travel adapters and additional support for more power hungry devices.

Unlike other travel chargers having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers on your Russian trip. Only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage as well as being suitable for charging your iPad at an airport or on the flight. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and phones without needing an additional wall outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible travel adapter at your preferred electronics retailer, the travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Russia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPad, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Russia and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable option for travellers originating from America visiting Russia using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a flexible 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 ideal for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Russia. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad in Russia?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad from a Russian power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin cable and a Type C power adapter to power your iPad with a Russian power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad from the Russian power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this USB cable is usually included with the device).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Russian power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB 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 Russian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad from a Russian power outlet

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPad from a Russian power outlet

Instructions showing how to power your iPad with a Russian power outlet with the 30-pin Apple connector with a two pin Type F power charger.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPad from a Russian power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally supply the USB cable with the iPad).
  2. Plug in the Type F USB power plug adapter into the power supply. You can recognise this power outlet by two large adjacent holes, plus thin grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect one end of the power cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Russian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging, typically taking roughly 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPad from a Russian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia web page about Russia
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C USB power plug adapter - Conforming to Europlug specifications, the Type C USB power plug adapter incorporates two 4 mm rounded pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is engineered to adapt electrical outlets commonly found in Europe, converting them to USB-compatible charging ports..
  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. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  7. Type F USB power plug adapter - Compliant with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 specifications, the Type F or Schuko adapter is engineered to adapt German electrical power outlets into USB-compatible ports..
  8. 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..