How to charge an iPad Air 2 when visiting Canada

How to connect a Canadian power outlet to an iPad Air 2

Canadian power outlet

Various combinations of standards and plugs can all be confusing when planning to travel to another country especially to the first time traveller. This page was specifically written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPad Air 2 when you are travelling to Canada.This page contains step-by-step instructions showing exactly what you'll need to charge the iPad Air 2 when visiting Canada by using their 120 volt 60Hz Type A Canadian power outlet, the Canadians will use a NEMA 1-15 P ungrounded plug for charging. If your iPad Air 2 doesn't power up or recharges slowly when you are visiting Canada from another region then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally electrical devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts either take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that the device is dual voltage (normally marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on an iPad Air 2.

Charging an iPad Air 2 in Canada

Can the iPad Air 2 be used in Canada?

Yes, you can use an iPad Air 2 in Canada.

What is the best power charger for recharging an iPad Air 2 in Canada?

When travelling with more than your iPad Air 2 then the best travel adapter for Canada to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world just by changing the included plugs over. If your iPad Air 2 is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times by using one of these types of power adapters, and compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel chargers this means you can charge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack individual travel adapters for your trip or using up additional wall outlets. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and on hand for charging your iPad Air 2 at the airport or on a flight. Because of their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without using up an additional power outlet.

For those travelling on a regular basis we suggest buying an adaptable travel adapter similar to this online. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the universal multi-device USB wall charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Canada

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPad Air 2, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Canada and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Canada using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with one 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Canada. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging an iPad Air 2 in Canada?

Powering an iPad Air 2 with a Canadian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a Lightning Apple cable with a double pin Type A USB charger to recharge an iPad Air 2 with a Canadian power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to an iPad Air 2 from the Canadian power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should normally include this cable when you buy the iPad Air 2.
  2. Insert the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Canadian power outlet. This unearthed power outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [3], is recognised by two slots next to each other where the twin blades go.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB charging cable into the mains USB charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on an iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 2 lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad Air 2.
  4. Turn on the Canadian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up and takes between 60-240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering an iPad Air 2 with a Canadian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Canada
  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. Universal multi-device USB wall charger - A universal multi-device USB wall charger features USB PD and standard ports for fast charging simultaneous. These includes interchangeable international plug adapters making it ideal for travel and certified for safety to protect against current and heat.