How to charge your iPad Air from a power outlet in The United Kingdom

How to connect a UK power outlet to the iPad Air

UK power outlet

Different combinations of standards and sockets can all be daunting when planning to travel to a different country, especially if you've never been there before. These guidelines were written to prepare people wanting to charge the iPad Air abroad.This page contains useful instructions showing exactly how to supply power to your iPad Air when you're in The United Kingdom by using the standard 230 volt 50Hz G Type power outlet, with the British using a BS 1363 13 amp plug for charging. If travelling to The United Kingdom from another country double check your iPad Air can accept a 240 volt supply. If the iPad Air was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your iPad Air is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to stop the device from overloading whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Air.

Charging the iPad Air in The United Kingdom

Can the iPad Air be used in The United Kingdom?

You can connect the iPad Air to a UK power outlet.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad Air in The United Kingdom?

When you are travelling to more than one country the best travel power adapter for The United Kingdom to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world just by changing the supplied plugs. If your iPad Air can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times by using one of these power chargers, along with additional support for certain power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel adapters having a 4 port charger means you can power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple travel chargers for your trip. Because you are only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand baggage and suitable for recharging your iPad Air at the airport or on a flight. Because of their space saving versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you're not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

For those travelling often we recommend searching for a multipurpose travel adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for The United Kingdom

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 Air, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both The United Kingdom and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power converter for travellers originating from North America going to The United Kingdom.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also 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 much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting The United Kingdom. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad Air in The United Kingdom?

Powering the iPad Air with a UK power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Instructions on how to power your iPad Air from a UK power outlet by using a Lightning cable with a Type G power adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPad Air using a UK power outlet you'll need to use a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPad Air.
  2. First plug in the Type G USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can identify the plug outlet by the 3 rectangular holes in a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth pins.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Air. The iPad Air lightning connector is found at the base of the iPad Air.
  4. Switch on the UK power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Air is charging, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Air with a UK power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - UK entry on wikipedia.org
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable 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. 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..