How to charge the iPad Air 2 from a power outlet in South Africa

A step-by-step guide showing you how to recharge your iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet with the Lightning Apple cable with a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter, how to recharge an iPad Air 2 using a Schuko Type F USB adapter and charging an iPad Air 2 using a 3 pinned Type M USB charger

South African power outlet

When planning a trip to South Africa it can often be useful to know in advance if you can charge any electronics at your destination. However without knowing which power socket is being used in South Africa you are likely to bring the wrong power adaptor, meaning needing to purchase a potentially overpriced power adaptor when you're there. Varying complicated combinations of region codes and plugs can often be daunting when planning on visiting another country, especially for the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of common standards used in the world this guide shows exactly what to buy in advance to charge your iPad Air 2 in South Africa. These guidelines were written to assist travellers wanting to charge their iPad Air 2 when they are travelling abroad.This page contains simple instructions which shows exactly how to power the iPad Air 2 when travelling to South Africa by using the standard types M, C, F or N South African 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, a majority of South Africans use Type M sockets in their plug outlets. If travelling to South Africa from another country please ensure that the iPad Air 2 can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional voltage converter to prevent the device from being damaged during charging. These instructions assume that you've downloaded Apple iOS 7 or greater on an iPad Air 2.

Charging an iPad Air 2 in South Africa

Can the iPad Air 2 be used in South Africa?

Yes, you can use an iPad Air 2 in South Africa.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging an iPad Air 2 in South Africa?

When you are travelling to more than one country the best travel power adapter for South Africa to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. South Africans use four different types of plug sockets (M, C, F and N) and using a travel charger like 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 it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the included plugs over. If your model of iPad Air 2 can support Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these power chargers and additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets.

Having a four port charger means you can charge more than one device at the same time without needing to bring multiple travel adapters. Because you are only packing a single lightweight USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used at home as well as abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying this type of flexible power charger online, the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for South Africa

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 those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both South Africa 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 going to South Africa using 3 pinned type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and 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 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting South Africa. [12] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging an iPad Air 2 in South Africa?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet

A guide showing you how to charge an iPad Air 2 with a South African power outlet with the Lightning Apple connector and a two pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter.

  1. If you want to charge the iPad Air 2 from the South African power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], normally included with your device.
  2. Plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. You can identify this wall supply by 2 round adjacent holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the Lightning power cable into the USB power 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. Switch on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is charging which typically takes between 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet

Using the Lightning Apple connector with a two pinned Type F Schuko USB adapter to charge an iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet.

  1. To supply power to an iPad Air 2 using a South African power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will typically include the USB cable with your iPad Air 2).
  2. Start the process by taking the Type F USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the South African power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two round adjacent holes next to each other and grounding clips above and below.
  3. Connect one end of the USB cord into the power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on an iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 2 lightning connector is situated at the bottom of the iPad Air 2.
  4. Turn on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Air 2 is recharging and takes between 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet

Powering an iPad Air 2 with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

Using a USB Lightning cable with a Type M power charger to power your iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet.

  1. In order to power your iPad Air 2 using a South African power outlet you will need a Type M USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should usually supply this USB cable with your iPad Air 2.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type M USB power plug adapter in the South African power outlet. The plug outlet (sometimes known as a Type M power outlet [8]) looks like three large round holes forming a triangular pattern.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB power 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. Switch on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up, typically taking roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering an iPad Air 2 with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

Powering an iPad Air 2 with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

Using a USB Lightning cable with a Type N power charger to power your iPad Air 2 from a South African power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPad Air 2 from the South African power outlet you will need to buy a Type N USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should usually supply this cable with your iPad Air 2.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type N USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. This squashed hexagon shaped plug outlet (technically known as a Type N power outlet [10]) looks like three large round holes forming a flattened triangular shape.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB power 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. Switch on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is charging which should take roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering an iPad Air 2 with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type N USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia.org page about South Africa
  2. Apple - official iPad 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 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. 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 M power outlet
  9. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  10. iec.ch - Type N power outlet
  11. Type N USB power plug adapter - The three 4mm rounded pins on a grounded Brazilian Type N USB charger form a flattened triangular pattern.
  12. 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..