How to charge the iPhone 5S from a power outlet in Switzerland

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 5S with a Swiss power outlet by using the Lightning Apple connector with a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB charger and charging the iPhone 5S using a Type J power plug.

Swiss power outlet

Various region codes and sockets can all be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially for the first time traveller. The following useful guide will show you what you'll need to charge the iPhone 5S when visiting Switzerland by using the J or C type 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, you will find most Swiss will typically use the Type J plugs in their power outlets. If travelling to Switzerland from another country please make sure that your iPhone 5S can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) ensure the iPhone 5S is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from overheating when charging it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 5S.

Charging the iPhone 5S in Switzerland

Can the iPhone 5S be used in Switzerland?

You can connect the iPhone 5S to a Swiss power outlet.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 5S in Switzerland?

If travelling to multiple countries the best travel power adapter for Switzerland to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of plug sockets that Swiss use (types J and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the plugs over. If your model of iPhone 5S can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these types of USB travel adapters, and support for certain power demanding devices. Having a 4 port charger means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring multiple travel adapters or using up additional wall sockets. By only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage whilst travelling. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones with only a single wall outlet.

If you travel frequently we recommend searching for this type of flexible power charger online, the multipurpose power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Switzerland

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Switzerland and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America going to Switzerland.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 5S in Switzerland?

Charging the iPhone 5S from a Swiss power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 5S with a Swiss power outlet by using the Lightning Apple connector with a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 5S from the Swiss power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], Apple will usually supply this cable with your iPhone 5S.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the wall outlet. This wall supply can be identified by 2 adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB Apple Lightning power cord into the power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 5S from a Swiss power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPhone 5S from a Swiss power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 5S from a Swiss power outlet with an Apple Lightning cable with a Type J power charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 5S from the Swiss power outlet you'll need to buy a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], Apple will typically supply this cable when you first purchase your iPhone 5S.
  2. Begin by taking the Type J USB power plug adapter and inserting it into the power supply. This hexagon shaped wall supply, technically known as the Type J power outlet [6], looks like three holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S Lightning connector can be found at bottom of your iPhone 5S under the home button.
  4. Turn on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 5S is recharging taking roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPhone 5S from a Swiss power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Switzerland Wikipedia page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 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 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 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..