Charging the iPad 2 from a power outlet in America

A guide on how to charge your iPad 2 from an American power outlet with a 30 pin connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger and charging the iPad 2 using a 3 pin Type B power plug.

American power outlet

Varying complicated combinations of standards and plugs can all be confusing when planning on staying in a different country, especially to the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of plug sockets being used in the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to charge the iPad 2 . These instructions have been specifically written to stop you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPad 2 abroad.These step by step instructions will show you exactly what you'll need to power the iPad 2 when you're travelling to America by using their standard Type B or A 120 volt 60Hz wall outlets, most Americans typically use Type B power outlets. If your iPad 2 does not power up or charges slowly when you are visiting America from another country please check that it is compatible with a 120 volt power supply. Devices which originated from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) may take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that your iPad 2 is a dual voltage device (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 2.

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Charging the iPad 2 in America

Can the iPad 2 be used in America?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 2 to an American power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad 2 in America?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPad 2 the best international travel charger for America to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of plug sockets in America (types B and A) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type A.

Because 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 changing the heads over. If your type of iPad 2 supports Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times with one of these types of USB power adapters, plus additional compatibility with certain power hungry devices. Having a four port adapter means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to bring individual power adapters. By only needing a single USB travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their flexibility these types of power adapters can be used back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional plug socket.

If you travel to America we recommend buying a versatile travel charger of this nature online. The multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the universal multi-device USB wall charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for America

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via 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 power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power adapter for travellers originating from North America going to America.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly 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. This gives the same set of features as the BESTEK with one less AC outlet at almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers a more flexible 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 a majority of travellers from around the world visiting America. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad 2 in America?

Powering the iPad 2 with an American power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

A guide on how to charge your iPad 2 from an American power outlet with a 30 pin connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad 2 using an American power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - typically already included with your iPad 2.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the American power outlet. This unearthed plug supply, sometimes known as a Type A power outlet [3], is identified by the 2 slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades.
  3. 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. Switch on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPad 2 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 2 is powering up which should take between 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad 2 with an American power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging the iPad 2 from an American power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A guide showing how to charge your iPad 2 from an American power outlet with a 30 pin connector with a 3 pin Type B USB charger.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPad 2 from an American power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally already included with your iPad 2).
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the American power outlet. You can identify the wall supply by the two thin slots next to each other where the twin blades go with a single semicircular hole below for the longer grounded pin.
  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. Switch on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad 2 screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 2 is charging which takes between 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPad 2 from an American power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Visittheusa - Visit The USA
  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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  8. 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.