Charging the iPad when staying in Switzerland

A guide showing how to charge the iPad from a Swiss power outlet by using the USB 30 pin Apple cable and a Type C power adapter and powering the iPad using a 3 pin Type J USB plug.

Swiss power outlet

Varying different standards and plugs can all be confusing when planning on staying in a foreign country, especially for the first time traveller. This step by step guide shows you exactly how to supply power to the iPad when visiting Switzerland by using their standard Type J or C 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please be aware Type J plug outlets are typically used by most Swiss. If you are travelling to Switzerland from a different country please make sure that your iPad can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If your iPad originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) make sure the device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional converter to prevent 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 that you have installed Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Switzerland

Can the iPad be used in Switzerland?

Yes, you can connect the iPad to a Swiss power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for the iPad in Switzerland?

If you are travelling with more than just your iPad and visiting multiple countries the best travel charger for Switzerland is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of power outlets that Swiss use (J and C) and using a power adapter 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 it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPad can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of power adapters plus additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. This will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack individual travel chargers or occupying additional power sockets. Only needing to bring a single USB travel charger will also keep the weight and size down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and convenient for charging your iPad at the airport or on a plane. Due to their space saving versatility these types of chargers can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers without needing an additional wall outlet.

We recommend searching for an adaptable power adapter similar to this at your preferred 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 foreign countries around the world with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Switzerland

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids. These power adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 best selling portable power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Switzerland 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 travel adapter is also aimed at travellers from North America using type B plugs and is a much cheaper 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 a flexible 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 ideal for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPad in Switzerland?

Powering the iPad with a Swiss power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin cable and a Type C power adapter to recharge your iPad with a Swiss power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPad from a Swiss power outlet you'll need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is normally supplied with your device by Apple).
  2. Start by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Swiss power outlet. This unearthed plug outlet, also known as the Type C power outlet [3] or Europlug, can be identified by the 2 holes adjacent to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a Swiss power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPad from a Swiss power outlet

Using a 30 pin connector and a Type J USB adapter to power the iPad with a Swiss power outlet.

  1. To charge your iPad using the Swiss power outlet you'll need a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the USB cable is typically supplied with the device by Apple.
  2. Plug in the Type J USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped power outlet by three circular holes forming a triangle pattern for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB mains adapter 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. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the tablet will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is charging and takes around one-four hours to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPad from a Swiss power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org entry about Switzerland
  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 J power outlet
  7. Type J USB power plug adapter - Type J USB chargers have three rounded pins placed in a flattened triangular pattern with the top pin acting as an earth.
  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..