Charging your iPad 2 from a power outlet in Spain

Instructions showing how to charge your iPad 2 with a Spanish power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple cable with a Type C power adapter and charging the iPad 2 using a two pinned Type F power adapter.

Spanish power outlet

Various combinations of region codes and voltages can all be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially to the first time traveller. This guide has been written to prepare travellers wanting to power the iPad 2 when they're travelling to Spain.This page is a step by step guide showing you exactly what you'll need to charge the iPad 2 when you're travelling to Spain using their standard F or C type 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please note Type F wall outlets are typically used by a majority of Spaniards. If you are travelling to Spain from a different region please check the iPad 2 can be charged using a 240v supply. If the iPad 2 was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts check that your iPad 2 is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from over-heating when charging it. If you intend on taking a trip to a city such as Madrid or Valencia we recommend referring to the Spanish country Wiki page [1] for more details prior to visiting the location. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 2.

Charging the iPad 2 in Spain

Can you use the iPad 2 in Spain?

You can use the iPad 2 in Spain.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPad 2 in Spain?

When travelling with more than your iPad 2 the best travel charger for Spain is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Spaniards use two different standards of plug sockets (types F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the included heads. If your model of iPad 2 is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster charging times with one of these types of travel adapters along with support for more power demanding devices.

This will allow you to power more than one device at the same time without needing to pack multiple travel chargers on your Spanish trip. By only needing a single lightweight travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being on hand for recharging your iPad 2 at an airport or on your flight. Because of their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers using just a single power outlet.

We suggest searching for this type of flexible travel adapter at an electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Spain

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is useful when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 option for travellers originating from North America visiting Spain using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise 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 much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Spain. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPad 2 in Spain?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from a Spanish power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge your iPad 2 with a Spanish power outlet with the USB 30-pin Apple cable with a Type C power adapter.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad 2 from the Spanish power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is normally already included with your iPad 2.
  2. Start by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 2.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the iPad 2 screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up and takes roughly one-four hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from a Spanish power outlet

Powering the iPad 2 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using the 30-pin Apple connector with a two pinned Type F power adapter to recharge your iPad 2 with a Spanish power outlet.

  1. To charge your iPad 2 using the Spanish power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally supply the cable when you buy the iPad 2).
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the Spanish power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the two circular adjacent holes where the twin pins go, plus two thin grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad 2.
  4. Switch on the Spanish 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 is recharging, typically taking roughly one to four hours to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad 2 with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Spanish country Wiki page
  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..