Charging the iPad 2 when staying in Switzerland

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a 2 pin Type C USB charger to power the iPad 2 with a Swiss power outlet and how to charge the iPad 2 using a Type J power adapter.

Swiss power outlet

If you are packing for a holiday to Switzerland it's useful to know in advance if you'll be able to power any important devices like mobile phones and laptops that you'll be bringing with you. But, without knowing which wall socket is being used you are likely to bring the wrong power charger, therefore having to purchase a suitable adaptor when you need to recharge. Various frequencies and standards can all be confusing when planning on travelling to a new country if you've never been there before. These guidelines were specifically written to assist people wanting to charge the iPad 2 when staying abroad.When you're staying in Switzerland the following useful instructions show how to supply power to the iPad 2 using the standard J or C type Swiss 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, most Swiss normally use the Type J sockets in their wall outlets. When travelling to Switzerland from another region make sure the iPad 2 can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPad 2 was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) ensure that your device is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to prevent the device from overloading when charging it. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 2.

Charging the iPad 2 in Switzerland

Can you use the iPad 2 in Switzerland?

You can connect the iPad 2 to a Swiss power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for the iPad 2 in Switzerland?

When you are travelling with more than your iPad 2 and visiting multiple countries then the best travel power adapter for Switzerland is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Swiss use two different standards of power outlets (J and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by switching the heads over. If your type of iPad 2 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers, and compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Having a four port adapter will also allow you to power multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy seperate travel adapters for your trip. Because you are only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage and suitable for charging your iPad 2 at an airport or on the flight. Because of their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones and using only a single power outlet.

If you travel often we suggest buying this type of versatile travel charger at your preferred electronics retailer - the power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Switzerland

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPad 2, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to counties with unreliable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Switzerland and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North 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 America using type B plugs. This gives practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half the 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPad 2 in Switzerland?

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

Using the USB 30-pin Apple connector with a 2 pin Type C USB charger to power the iPad 2 with a Swiss power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad 2 from a Swiss power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - typically already included with your iPad 2 by Apple.
  2. First plug in the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can identify this plug outlet by two round holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. 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 iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector is found at the base of the iPad 2.
  4. Turn on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which typically takes around 1 - 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad 2 with a Swiss power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from a Swiss power outlet

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPad 2 with a Swiss power outlet with the USB 30 pin Apple cable with a three pin Type J power charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPad 2 using the Swiss power outlet you will need a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (normally already supplied with your iPad 2 by Apple).
  2. Start by taking the Type J USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the Swiss power outlet. You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped power outlet by three large holes in a flattened triangular configuration.
  3. Plug in one end of the cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad 2.
  4. Switch 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 2 is powering up which takes between 60-240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from a Swiss power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Switzerland country entry on wikipedia
  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..