How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in Kenya

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

Kenyan power outlet

Varying different combinations of voltages and plug types can often be confusing when planning on travelling to another country especially if you've never visited before. When staying in Kenya this page contains instructions showing how to supply power to your iPhone 3G by using the standard 240 volt 50Hz Type G power outlet, the Kenyans will use a 13 amp plug for charging. When you are travelling to Kenya from another country please make sure your iPhone 3G can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 3G originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120v check your iPhone 3G 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 during charging. If you intend on travelling to destinations such as Nairobi please read the Kenyan entry on wikipedia.org [1] for more information prior to the location. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in Kenya

Can the iPhone 3G be used in Kenya?

You can use the iPhone 3G in Kenya by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Kenya?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 3G or visiting multiple countries the best travel adapter for Kenya 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 pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone 3G can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to buy multiple travel adapters for your Kenyan trip. Because you are only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage while travelling and convenient for charging your iPhone 3G at an airport or on a plane. Due to their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for an adaptable 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 recharging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Kenya

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge devices via USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary for visitors of regions with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Kenya and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power converter for travellers originating from America going to Kenya.
  • 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 the US using type B plugs and is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Kenya. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in Kenya?

Powering the iPhone 3G with a Kenyan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin cable and a three pin Type G USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from a Kenyan power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3G from the Kenyan power outlet you'll need to buy a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should usually include the USB cable when you first purchase the iPhone 3G.
  2. Insert the Type G USB power plug adapter in the Kenyan power outlet. The wall supply (technically called a Type G power outlet [3]) can be recognised by the three slots with plastic shutters in a triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.
  3. Connect one end of the USB cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger 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. Turn on the Kenyan power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging and takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with a Kenyan power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Kenyan entry on wikipedia.org
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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 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..