Charging your Samsung Galaxy S4 from a power outlet in Switzerland

Instructions showing how to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Swiss power outlet using Type B USB micro cable with a three pinned Type C USB adapter and how to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 using a Type J USB adapter.

Swiss power outlet

When packing for a holiday to Switzerland it is useful to know if you'll be able to charge all your indispensable electronics such as mobile phones or tablets that you are bringing with you. Without knowing which power socket is used in Switzerland you may end up either bringing unnecessary adaptors or bring the wrong power charger, therefore needing to buy a potentially expensive adaptor on arrival. Various combinations of voltages and standards can often be daunting when planning to travel to another country if you've never been there before. This guide has been written to stop people having to worry if they can charge the Samsung Galaxy S4 abroad.When you are travelling to Switzerland these instructions show powering the Samsung Galaxy S4 using the Type J or C Swiss 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, Type J wall outlets are normally used by a majority of Swiss. When travelling to Switzerland from a different region ensure that your Samsung Galaxy S4 can accept a 240 volt supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check that the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from overheating whilst powering it up. If you plan to visit a place like Zürich or Geneva we recommend reading the Swiss Wikipedia web page [1] for more information.

Refer to the Samsung Galaxy S4 instruction manual [2] for more information on the operation of the mobile phone and visit the Galaxy page for more phones by Samsung which will connect to the Swiss power outlet.

Charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Switzerland

Can you use a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Switzerland?

You can connect a Samsung Galaxy S4 to a Swiss power outlet by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel charger for a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Switzerland?

When travelling with more than your Samsung Galaxy S4 then the best travel power adapter for Switzerland is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of wall outlets in Switzerland (J and C) and using a power adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the heads. If your type of Samsung Galaxy S4 supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, plus compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets. This will also allow you to power more than one device at the same time without needing to pack individual travel chargers on your Swiss trip or occupying additional wall outlets. Because you are only bringing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage as well as being suitable for charging your Samsung Galaxy S4 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, phones and e-readers without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling to Switzerland we recommend buying this type of versatile travel charger online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Switzerland

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Switzerland and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America visiting Switzerland.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs. This gives practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Switzerland?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Swiss power outlet

Instructions showing how to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Swiss power outlet using Type B USB micro cable with a three pinned Type C USB adapter.

  1. To charge your Samsung Galaxy S4 using the Swiss power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. Start by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Swiss power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two round adjacent holes where the twin pins go.
  3. Then connect one end of the Micro USB type B connector into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the multipurpose jack on a Samsung Galaxy S4. You will find the multipurpose jack on the bottom of the phone found underneath the Home button.
  4. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top corner of the Samsung Galaxy S4 display will display a charge icon with dots underneath to indicate that the device is charging.
  6. If you are using the Samsung Galaxy S4 whilst charging it will take longer to fully charge the battery. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Swiss power outlet

Powering a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

A guide showing how to charge your Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Swiss power outlet with Micro USB type B connector and a Type J USB charger.

  1. To power the Samsung Galaxy S4 using the Swiss power outlet you'll need a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. Start the process by taking the Type J USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Swiss power outlet. You can identify this flattened hexagon shaped power outlet by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the multipurpose jack on a Samsung Galaxy S4. You can find the multipurpose jack on the foot of the Samsung Galaxy found below the Home button.
  4. Turn on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which is found at the top corner of the Samsung Galaxy S4 will show a charging icon with to indicate that the device is charging.
  6. If you are using the Samsung Galaxy S4 while charging it may take longer to completely recharge the battery. [AD]
Powering a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Swiss Wikipedia web page
  2. Samsung - Samsung Galaxy S4 instruction manual
  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 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  6. iec.ch - Type J power outlet
  7. Type J USB power plug adapter - Type J USB chargers have three rounded pins placed in a flattened triangular pattern with the top pin acting as an earth.
  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..