Charging the iPhone 3GS when staying in Sweden

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 3GS from a Swedish power outlet by using the USB 30-pin Apple cable with a two pin Type C USB charger and charging the iPhone 3GS using a Type F USB charger.

Swedish power outlet

Various frequencies and standards can all be confusing when planning on visiting a new country especially if you've never visited before. This guide has been specifically written to assist people wanting to charge the iPhone 3GS abroad.When you're planning a trip to Sweden the following instructions show how to charge the iPhone 3GS using the standard F or C type Swedish 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, most Swedes normally use the Type F sockets in their wall outlets. When travelling to Sweden from a different region ensure the iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240v supply. If it was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) ensure your device is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to prevent the device from overheating when powering up. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Sweden

Can you use the iPhone 3GS in Sweden?

You can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Swedish power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3GS in Sweden?

When travelling with more than your iPhone 3GS the best travel power adapter for Sweden is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Swedes use two different standards of wall outlets (types F and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the included heads. If your type of iPhone 3GS supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times by using one of these types of power adapters, plus compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Having a 4 port adapter means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to pack individual travel adapters. Only bringing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage and convenient for charging your iPhone 3GS at the airport or on a flight. Due to their versatility these types of power adapters can be used when you return home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and e-readers without needing an additional power outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying this type of versatile power charger at an electronics retailer, the power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Sweden

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 3GS, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Sweden 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 visiting Sweden.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs and gives almost the same set of features as the BESTEK with one 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Sweden. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 3GS in Sweden?

Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Swedish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 3GS from a Swedish power outlet by using the USB 30-pin Apple cable with a two pin Type C USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 3GS from a Swedish power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually include the cable with the iPhone 3GS).
  2. Firstly plug the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise this power outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Swedish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is charging, typically taking between 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3GS with a Swedish power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Swedish power outlet

Using the Apple USB 30-pin connector and a Type F USB adapter to power your iPhone 3GS with a Swedish power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3GS from the Swedish power outlet you will need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already included with your iPhone 3GS by Apple).
  2. Insert the Type F USB power plug adapter into the Swedish power outlet. This sunken circular power supply (sometimes known as a Type F power outlet [6] or Schuko outlet) can be recognised by two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Switch on the Swedish power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Schuko Type F power charger for charging your iPhone 3GS from a Swedish power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Sweden country page on wikipedia
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3GS 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 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. 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..