Charging your iPad 3 from a power outlet in America

Using the USB 30-pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type A USB charger to charge your iPad 3 with an American power outlet and how to charge the iPad 3 using a 3 pin Type B power charger.

American power outlet

Different combinations of frequencies and standards can often be confusing when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never been there before. This page was written to prevent visitors worrying if they'll be able to charge the iPad 3 when they're staying in America.This simple guide will show exactly what you'll need to power your iPad 3 when you are visiting America using the types B or A 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets, Type B plug outlets will be used by a majority of Americans. If your iPad 3 slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when visiting America from a different region please check that it is compatible with a 120 volt power supply. Typically devices which come from a country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) either take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that your iPad 3 is dual-voltage (usually marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 3.

Charging the iPad 3 in America

Can the iPad 3 be used in America?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 3 to an American power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for the iPad 3 in America?

When you are travelling to more than one country or bringing along more than your iPad 3 then the best travel power adapter for America is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Americans use two different types of power outlets (types B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A.

Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the included heads. If your iPad 3 can support Fast Charge (note that not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from faster charging times by using one of these types of travel chargers, and additional compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

Having a four port adapter means you can recharge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy individual travel chargers or using up additional power sockets. Because you are only packing a single lightweight travel charger will also keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand baggage and convenient for charging your iPad 3 at the airport or on your flight. Due to their versatility these types of chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets without needing an additional plug socket.

We suggest searching for a versatile power charger of this nature at your preferred electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for America

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting regions with unreliable power supplies. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact option for travellers originating from America visiting America.
  • 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 America using type B plugs and offers practically the same functionality as 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 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 most travellers from around the world visiting America. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPad 3 in America?

Powering the iPad 3 with an American power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a 30-pin cable and a 2 pin Type A power adapter to recharge your iPad 3 with an American power outlet.

  1. To charge the iPad 3 from an American power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this USB cable is normally already included with your iPad 3.
  2. Start by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. This ungrounded plug supply (technically called the Type A power outlet [3]) is recognised by 2 thin adjacent slots for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad 3.
  4. Switch on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPad 3 screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which should take roughly 1-4 hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad 3 with an American power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPad 3 with an American power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Instructions on how to power the iPad 3 from an American power outlet with a 30-pin cable and a 3 pin Type B power adapter.

  1. To charge your iPad 3 using the American power outlet you will need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already included with the device by Apple).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type B USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify the wall outlet by two slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a semicircle hole below for the long grounded pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the 30 pin cord into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 3.
  4. Turn on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the tablet will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 3 is charging which typically takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad 3 with an American power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Visittheusa - Visit The USA
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device 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. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  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..