Charging the iPhone from a power outlet in Italy

Instructions showing you how to power the iPhone with an Italian power outlet using the USB 30-pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type C power charger, charging the iPhone using a Type F power charger and how to power the iPhone using a 3 pin Type L power charger

Italian power outlet

Differing combinations of frequencies and standards can often be confusing when planning on staying in another country especially if you've never been there before. With only a handful of different types of plug sockets used in the world this article shows exactly what you'll need to pick up in advance to charge the iPhone . These instructions have been specifically written to help assist people wanting to power their iPhone when staying abroad.When you're visiting Italy these instructions show powering the iPhone by using their standard Type L, C or F 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, you will discover a majority of Italians normally use the Type L power outlets. You will discover power supplies vary depending on which country you are in therefore we recommend reading the Europe page for a complete list of regions and countries. When you are travelling to Italy from another region ensure that your iPhone can be charged using a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts double check the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to avoid the device from being damaged when charging it.

This page details the iPhone first generation, the original iPhone is missing some features which have since been introduced to more recent iPhones. Visit the Apple category page for the full range of Apple iPhones. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 3 or greater on the iPhone.

Charging the iPhone in Italy

Can the iPhone be used in Italy?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone to an Italian power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in Italy?

If you are travelling to more than one country and bringing along more than your iPhone then the best travel charger for Italy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Italians use three different types of power outlets (types L, C and F) and using a travel adapter like this will ensure that you are covered for type C.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your type of iPhone is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel adapters along with compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

Having a four port adapter means you can recharge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack individual power chargers or occupying additional wall outlets. Only needing a single USB travel charger will keep the overall weight and size down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their flexibility these types of power adapters can be used at home not just abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets and phones without using up an additional plug socket.

If you travel regularly we suggest searching for a versatile power charger like this at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Italy

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, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is necessary for visitors of regions with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Italy and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular portable power adapter for travellers originating from North America visiting Italy using type B American 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 originating from America using type B plugs and offers practically the same functionality as the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Italy. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone in Italy?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone from an Italian power outlet

Instructions showing how to recharge your iPhone with an Italian power outlet using a 30-pin Apple cable and a Type C USB charger.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone from an Italian power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically supplied with your iPhone).
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Italian power outlet. You can identify this power supply by the two holes adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging which takes roughly 1 - 4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone from an Italian power outlet

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone from an Italian power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge your iPhone with an Italian power outlet using a 30-pin Apple cable and a Type F USB charger.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone using an Italian power outlet you'll need a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this USB cable is typically supplied with your iPhone.
  2. Insert the Type F USB power plug adapter into the Italian power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two 4.8mm round holes 19 mm next to each other for live and neutral pins and a pair of thin metal grounding clips above and below.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Switch on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the phone is recharging which should take roughly 1 - 4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone from an Italian power outlet

How to use a Type L power charger for recharging your iPhone from an Italian power outlet

Using the USB 30-pin Apple cable and a 3 pin Type L power charger to recharge your iPhone with an Italian power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPhone using the Italian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this USB cable is typically supplied with your iPhone.
  2. First you'll need to plug the Type L USB power plug adapter in the Italian power outlet. This flattened hexagon shaped power supply (technically called the Type L power outlet [8]) looks like 3 large adjecent holes in a line. Note there are two types of Type L wall outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm round pins spaced 5.5mm apart, and the 16 amp version has larger 5mm round pins spaced 8mm apart.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone. The iPhone dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone.
  4. Turn on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the mobile will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up and takes roughly 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type L power charger for recharging your iPhone from an Italian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org web page about Italy
  2. Apple - the original iPhone product manual
  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. iec.ch - Type L power outlet
  9. Type L USB power plug adapter - Earthed Type L USB chargers comprise of three 4mm pins placed in parallel 5.5mm apart used in Italy.
  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..