How to charge the iPhone 3G when staying in Italy

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type C power charger to recharge your iPhone 3G from an Italian power outlet, how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a Type F power plug and how to recharge the iPhone 3G using a Type L power plug

Italian power outlet

Differing frequencies and region codes can often be daunting when planning to stay in a foreign country especially if you've never visited before. This page has been specifically written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3G when you're travelling abroad.The following step-by-step instructions will show exactly how to charge the iPhone 3G when going to Italy by using the standard types L, C or F Italian 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, you'll discover most Italians will typically use the Type L wall outlets. When travelling anywhere you'll find that most power sockets will vary regionally so please read the WikiConnections world power supplies page for a full list showing regions and countries. If travelling to Italy from another country please ensure that the iPhone 3G can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If the iPhone 3G originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts ensure that the iPhone 3G is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to prevent the device from being damaged during charging. If you are planning to stay in an Italian destination like Rome please read the Italian Wikipedia page [1] for more information on visiting the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Italy

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Italy?

You can connect the iPhone 3G to an Italian power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Italy?

When you are travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel power adapter for Italy to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are three different standards of wall outlets in Italy (types L, C and F) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the included heads over. If your model of iPhone 3G supports Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these types of USB travel adapters, and additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port adapter means you can charge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to buy individual power chargers. Only packing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the size down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage. Due to their flexibility these types of travel adapters can be used when you return home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, phones and speakers with only a single plug socket.

We suggest buying an adaptable power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer. The power charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Italy

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unstable power grids. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Italy 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 best selling portable power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Italy.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half 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 perfect for most travellers from around the world visiting Italy. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPhone 3G in Italy?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from an Italian power outlet

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type C power charger to recharge your iPhone 3G from an Italian power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3G using an Italian power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple normally include the USB cable with your iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type C USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 adjacent holes.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into the USB 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 Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone 3G will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging and takes between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3G from an Italian power outlet

Powering the iPhone 3G with an Italian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type F power charger to power your iPhone 3G from an Italian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G from the Italian power outlet you'll need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is usually already supplied with the iPhone 3G by Apple).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Italian power outlet. You can identify this power supply by two 4.8mm round adjacent holes where the twin pins slide into along with grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the charging cord into the USB 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 Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPhone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging taking roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with an Italian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 3G with an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a Type L power charger to power your iPhone 3G from an Italian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPhone 3G from the Italian power outlet you'll need to use a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is usually already supplied with the iPhone 3G by Apple).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type L USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the Italian power outlet. The squashed hexagon shaped power outlet, technically known as the Type L power outlet [8], can be recognised by the three large circular adjecent holes forming a line for live, neutral and earth pins. Please note there are two different types of Type L power outlet, one rated at 10 amps and one at 16 amps. The 10 amp version has 4mm thick round pins spaced 5.5mm apart and a 16 amp version has larger 5mm pins spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the USB 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 Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the cellphone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging which typically takes roughly one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Italian Wikipedia page
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  9. Type L USB power plug adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  10. 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..