How to charge your iPad from a power outlet in Australia

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPad from an Australian power outlet using a USB 30 pin cable with a Type I power charger.

Australian power outlet

Complicated standards and voltages can often be daunting when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never visited before. However this isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of standards used in the world this guide tells you exactly what you'll need to purchase in advance to power the iPad . These instructions have been written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPad when Australia.The following step-by-step guide will show you what you'll need to charge the iPad when staying in Australia by using their 230 volt 50Hz I Type plug supply. Most power supplies will vary regionally so we recommend reading our Wiki Connections travel power connections page for a complete list of powering devices in different countries. If visiting Australia from a different country double check your iPad can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If the iPad was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) double check the iPad is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overloading whilst powering it. If you are planning to stay somewhere like Sydney or Melbourne refer to the Australia Wikipedia web page [1] for more details prior to the location. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Australia

Can you use the iPad in Australia?

Yes, you can use the iPad in Australia by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad in Australia?

When you are travelling to multiple countries the best travel power adapter for Australia to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 to 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPad is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these USB travel adapters, plus support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

This means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers for your trip. Because you are only needing to bring a single international travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets with only a single wall outlet.

If you travel frequently we suggest buying a versatile travel adapter similar to this at an electronics retailer, the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for Australia

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPad, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Australia 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 America visiting Australia using type B American plug sockets.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half the 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Australia. [6] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad in Australia?

How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPad from an Australian power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPad from an Australian power outlet using a USB 30 pin cable with a Type I power charger.

  1. To power your iPad from the Australian power outlet you'll need a Type I USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will normally include the USB cable when you first purchase the iPad.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type I USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the power supply. This wall supply (sometimes called a Type I power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the three thin slots for the live, neutral and ground. Note that the live and neutral pins are configured reversed compared to Argentinian plug outlets, check that your Type I travel adaptor is compatible with an Australian power supply.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Australian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up, typically taking roughly one-four hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPad from an Australian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Australia Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type I power outlet
  4. Type I USB power plug adapter - Type I USB chargers use three short flat blades in a V format with the top blade acting as a grounding pin.
  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. 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..