How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Spain

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Spanish power outlet with a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C USB adapter and recharging the iPhone 3G using a 2 pinned Type F power plug.

Spanish power outlet

If packing for a trip it can be helpful to know if you'll be able to power any electrical devices such as cell phones and laptop computers when you get there. But, by not knowing which power socket is being used in Spain you are more likely to bring the wrong power charger, meaning having to buy or borrow a potentially expensive power adaptor when you're there. Differing standards and plugs can often cause confusion when planning on visiting a different country especially for the first time traveller. This isn't as complex as it appears, with only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used in the world this guide shows exactly what to buy in advance to power the iPhone 3G . These instructions were specifically written to prevent travellers needing to worry if they can power their iPhone 3G when they're going to Spain.If you're planning a vacation to Spain these instructions show how to power the iPhone 3G using their standard types F or C Spanish 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, you will find a majority of Spaniards will normally use Type F sockets in their wall outlets. If travelling to Spain from another country check your iPhone 3G can accept a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure that the iPhone 3G is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from being damaged whilst powering it up. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Spain

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Spain?

You can use the iPhone 3G in Spain by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Spain?

When travelling with more than your iPhone 3G and visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for Spain is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Spaniards use two different standards of wall outlets (F and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads. If your iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times with one of these travel adapters, and support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port charger will also allow you to recharge multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters. Because you are only needing to bring a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and suitable for charging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on a plane. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for a multipurpose travel adapter like this at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Spain

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 three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power supplies. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Spain and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international 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 Spain.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting Spain. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Spain?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 3G from a Spanish power outlet with a USB 30-pin cable with a Type C USB adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3G using the Spanish power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should usually supply the USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. Insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the Spanish power outlet. You can recognise the plug supply by two circular holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Connect one end of the charging cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the cellphone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging and takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Spanish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 3G from a Spanish power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Using a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type F power charger to charge the iPhone 3G with a Spanish power outlet.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 3G from the Spanish power outlet you'll need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should usually include the USB cable when you purchase the iPhone 3G).
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This circular plug outlet can be identified by the two large circular holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral and thin metal grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Spanish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is charging which takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from a Spanish power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org page about Spain
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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..