How to charge your iPad from a power outlet in Belgium

Using an Apple 30 pin connector and a two pin Type C USB adapter to recharge your iPad from a Belgian power outlet and how to charge the iPad using a Type E USB adapter.

Belgian power outlet

When planning a vacation to Belgium it's helpful to know in advance if you can charge any essential devices such as mobile phones or laptop computers when you arrive. Without knowing which wall socket is being used you may end up either having to bring too many spare adaptors or bring the wrong charger, therefore having to buy a potentially overpriced power adaptor when you're there that might not be compatible. Varying different combinations of voltages and plug types can all be confusing when planning to travel to another country, especially if you've never been there before. If you are visiting Belgium these useful instructions show powering your iPad by using the standard types E or C 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, please note that Type E plug outlets are used by most Belgians. If travelling to Belgium from another region check your iPad can accept a 240 volt supply. If the iPad came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) check your device is dual voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to stop the device from overheating when powering up. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Belgium

Can you use the iPad in Belgium?

Yes, you can use the iPad in Belgium by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power charger for the iPad in Belgium?

If you are travelling with more than just your iPad the best travel charger for Belgium to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of wall outlets in Belgium (E and C) and using a travel charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world just by changing the supplied heads. If your iPad supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times by using one of these types of USB travel chargers plus additional compatibility with more power hungry devices. Having a 4 port charger will allow you to recharge more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack seperate power chargers on your trip to Belgium or using up additional wall sockets. By only packing a single travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage. 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 sit overnight charging multiple tablets and phones without needing an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying a flexible power charger similar to this online. The power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Belgium

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Belgium and over 150 countries around the world:

  • 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 compact power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Belgium using 3 pinned 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 North America using type B plugs. This gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Belgium. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPad in Belgium?

Charging the iPad from a Belgian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Using the Apple 30 pin connector and a two pin Type C USB adapter to recharge your iPad from a Belgian power outlet.

  1. In order to charge the iPad using a Belgian power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is typically included with your device by Apple).
  2. First you'll need to plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by 2 round adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Belgian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging and takes between 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad from a Belgian power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Powering the iPad with a Belgian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge your iPad from a Belgian power outlet with the 30 pin Apple cable with a Type E power charger.

  1. In order to power your iPad using a Belgian power outlet you will need to use a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase the iPad).
  2. Insert the Type E USB power plug adapter in the Belgian power outlet. You can recognise the plug outlet by two round adjacent holes where the live and neutral plug outlet pins go and a long metal grounding pin protruding in the top in a triangular pattern.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Belgian 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 is powering up, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Belgian power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type E USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Belgian country Wikipedia page
  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 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..