How to charge the iPhone 3G when visiting Canada

How to connect a Canadian power outlet to the iPhone 3G

Canadian power outlet

Various standards and plugs can all be daunting when planning to travel to another country to the first time traveller. These instructions have been written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3G abroad.This page contains a guide which shows exactly how to supply power to your iPhone 3G when staying in Canada by using their 120 volt 60Hz Type A Canadian power outlet, the Canadians will use a NEMA 1-15 P ungrounded plug for power outlets. If the iPhone 3G charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Canada from a different country check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which originated from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) may take longer to charge or won't power up, check the iPhone 3G is dual-voltage (you'll find these are normally marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Canada

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Canada?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in Canada.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Canada?

When travelling with more than your iPhone 3G the best travel power adapter for Canada is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by switching the included heads. If your type of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB travel chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. Unlike other adapters this means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to pack seperate travel adapters for your trip or using up additional wall outlets. Because you are only packing a single travel charger will also keep the weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being on hand for recharging your iPhone 3G at the airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used when you return home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones and tablets using just a single plug socket.

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

Alternative travel adapter for Canada

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices via USB, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is necessary for visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Canada 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 Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from America using type B plugs. This is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Canada. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 3G in Canada?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Canadian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a two pin Type A USB charger to power the iPhone 3G with a Canadian power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3G from a Canadian power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the USB cable is usually included with the iPhone 3G.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Canadian power outlet. This unearthed power outlet, sometimes called the Type A power outlet [3], is identified by 2 adjacent slots where the twin pins go.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the Canadian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up which should take between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Canadian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Canadian Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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. 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..