Charging the iPhone 4S from a power outlet in North Korea

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 4S with a North Korean power outlet using the 30-pin Apple connector with a 3 pin Type A USB charger, how to charge the iPhone 4S using a Type C USB adapter and recharging the iPhone 4S using a two pinned Type F power adapter

North Korean power outlet

Various standards and sockets can all be daunting when planning on staying in a different country, especially to the first time traveller. However this isn't as complex as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this guide shows exactly what to purchase in advance to charge the iPhone 4S in North Korea. These instructions have been written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 4S when you are travelling to North Korea.This page contains a step by step guide showing exactly what you'll need to supply power to the iPhone 4S when you are visiting North Korea by using their standard types F, A or C 220 volt 60Hz plug outlets. Power sockets will change from region to region therefore we recommend reading the Wikiconnections travel power supplies list for a full list of destinations. When you are travelling to North Korea from another country double check the iPhone 4S can accept a 240v supply. If the iPhone 4S 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 converter to avoid the device from overheating whilst powering it. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in North Korea

Can you use the iPhone 4S in North Korea?

You can connect the iPhone 4S to a North Korean power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 4S in North Korea?

When travelling to multiple countries or bringing more than just your iPhone 4S then the best international travel charger for North Korea to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. North Koreans use three different types of power outlets (F, A and C) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for both types A and C.

Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your iPhone 4S is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, and compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other chargers having a 4 port charger means you can charge more than one device at once without needing to pack multiple power chargers on your North Korean trip or occupying additional wall sockets. Only packing 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 iPhone 4S at the airport or on the plane. Due to their versatility these types of travel adapters can be used at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets using just a single wall outlet.

If you travel to different continents we suggest buying this type of versatile travel charger at an electronics retailer, the travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for North Korea

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 or unstable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting North Korea using 3 pinned type B plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This offers the same set of features as the BESTEK with just 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 wide range of travellers from around the world visiting North Korea. [10] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for recharging the iPhone 4S in North Korea?

Charging the iPhone 4S from a North Korean power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 4S from a North Korean power outlet with a 30 pin cable and a Type A power adapter.

  1. To power the iPhone 4S using a North Korean power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply the USB cable with the iPhone 4S.
  2. Plug in the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can recognise the wall outlet by the 2 thin adjacent slots.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the North Korean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is powering up and takes roughly 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4S from a North Korean power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 4S with a North Korean power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using the Apple 30-pin connector and a Type C USB charger to power the iPhone 4S with a North Korean power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 4S from a North Korean power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is normally supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the North Korean power outlet. This unearthed plug outlet, also known as the Type C power outlet [6] or Europlug, can be identified by the two adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the cord into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the North Korean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of the iPhone 4S screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 4S is charging, typically taking between 60-240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with a North Korean power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a North Korean power outlet

Instructions showing how to power the iPhone 4S with a North Korean power outlet using the 30-pin Apple connector with a 2 pin Type F USB charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4S from the North Korean power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple should usually include this cable when you buy your iPhone 4S).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter into the North Korean power outlet. You can recognise the wall outlet by the two 4.8mm circular holes 19 mm next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins sit along with two thin grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cable into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the North Korean power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging which takes around 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a North Korean power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - North Korean country entry on wikipedia
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device 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. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  7. 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..
  8. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  9. 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..
  10. 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..