Charging the iPhone 4S from a power outlet in Benin

A guide showing how to recharge the iPhone 4S from a Beninese power outlet by using a USB 30 pin connector and a Type C USB charger and charging the iPhone 4S using a 2 pin Type E USB plug.

Beninese power outlet

Various voltages and standards can often be daunting when planning to travel to a new country if you've never visited before. These instructions have been written to help assist visitors wanting to power their iPhone 4S when they are visiting Benin.When you're staying in Benin these instructions show powering the iPhone 4S using the Type E or C Beninese 220 volt 50Hz power outlets. If you are visiting Benin from another country please check the iPhone 4S can accept a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110 volts double check your iPhone 4S is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged when charging it. If you intend on staying at a city like Cotonou or Abomey-Calavi we suggest reading the Benin country wikipedia page [1] for further information. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in Benin

Can the iPhone 4S be used in Benin?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 4S to a Beninese power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 4S in Benin?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPhone 4S the best international travel charger for Benin to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Beninois use two different standards of wall outlets (types E and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPhone 4S can support Fast Charge (note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times by using one of these USB travel chargers, and compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets. This will also allow you to power more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple power chargers on your Beninese trip. Only packing a single international travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible travel charger at an electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Benin

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Benin and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 portable option for travellers originating from America going to Benin using type B US plug sockets.
  • 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 offers the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 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 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Benin. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 4S in Benin?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a Beninese power outlet

A guide showing how to recharge the iPhone 4S from a Beninese power outlet by using a USB 30 pin connector and a Type C USB charger.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 4S from the Beninese power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple typically supply the USB cable when you buy the iPhone 4S).
  2. Plug the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power supply. The wall outlet, sometimes called the Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Beninese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 4S is charging, typically taking between one to four hours to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a Beninese power outlet

Charging the iPhone 4S from a Beninese power outlet by using a two pinned Type E USB adapter

A guide showing how to charge the iPhone 4S from a Beninese power outlet with a 30 pin connector with a 2 pin Type E USB charger.

  1. To charge your iPhone 4S using the Beninese power outlet you will need to buy a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should normally supply this USB cable with the iPhone 4S.
  2. Start by plugging the Type E USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This recessed round power outlet (sometimes known as a CEE 7/7 plug) can be identified by the two round adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral plus one metal earth pin protruding the top forming a triangular configuration.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Beninese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 4S will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 4S is charging which takes between 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4S from a Beninese power outlet by using a two pinned Type E USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Benin country 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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  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..