How to charge the iPad 4 when planning a trip to Ecuador

Using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Type A power charger to charge the iPad 4 from an Ecuadorian power outlet and powering the iPad 4 using a three pin Type B USB adapter.

Ecuadorian power outlet

Various voltages and plugs can all be confusing when planning to stay in another country especially to the first time traveller. This page contains step by step instructions demonstrating what you'll need to charge the iPad 4 when travelling to Ecuador by using their Type B or A Ecuadorian 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets. If the iPad 4 does not power up or charges slowly when travelling to Ecuador from another region check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which originate from a country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that the device is dual-voltage (you'll find these are usually marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. If you intend on visiting an Ecuadorian destination like Guayaquil or Quito we also recommend referring to the wikipedia web page about Ecuador [1] for further information on the location. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 4.

Charging the iPad 4 in Ecuador

Can you use the iPad 4 in Ecuador?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 4 to an Ecuadorian power outlet.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad 4 in Ecuador?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPad 4 then the best travel charger for Ecuador to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of wall outlets that Ecuadorians use (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPad 4 supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these types of power adapters, and support for more power hungry devices like tablets. Unlike other adapters having a 4 port adapter means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power adapters. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPad 4 at the airport or on a flight. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers and using only a single wall outlet.

We recommend searching for a flexible travel adapter similar to this online. The power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Ecuador

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Ecuador 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 most popular portable power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Ecuador using type B American plug sockets.
  • 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 from North America using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Ecuador. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad 4 in Ecuador?

How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPad 4 from an Ecuadorian power outlet

Using a USB Lightning Apple connector and a Type A power charger to charge the iPad 4 from an Ecuadorian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge your iPad 4 using an Ecuadorian power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (typically already supplied with your device by Apple).
  2. Firstly plug the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Ecuadorian power outlet. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type A power outlet [3]) can be identified by the two adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad 4. The iPad 4 lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad 4.
  4. Turn on the Ecuadorian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 4 is recharging which should take around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for charging your iPad 4 from an Ecuadorian power outlet

Charging the iPad 4 from an Ecuadorian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to charge your iPad 4 from an Ecuadorian power outlet using the Apple Lightning connector and a three pinned Type B power charger.

  1. In order to power the iPad 4 using the Ecuadorian power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (usually already included with your device by Apple).
  2. Insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This wall outlet, technically known as a Type B power outlet [6], can be identified by the two slots parallel to each other with a single hole below for the slightly longer ground pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple power cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad 4. The iPad 4 lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad 4.
  4. Turn on the Ecuadorian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad 4 from an Ecuadorian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia web page about Ecuador
  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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..