Charging the iPhone 3GS from a power outlet in Benin

A guide showing how to charge your iPhone 3GS from a Beninese power outlet with a 30 pin connector with a 2 pin Type C USB charger and charging the iPhone 3GS using a two pin Type E power charger.

Beninese power outlet

Various combinations of region codes and voltages can often be confusing when planning to stay in a new country especially for the first time traveller. These guidelines have been specifically written to prevent visitors worrying if they'll be able to power their iPhone 3GS when visiting abroad.When you are visiting Benin the following useful instructions show how to charge the iPhone 3GS by using the types E or C Beninese 220 volt 50Hz power outlets. You'll find power will change from region to region so we suggest reading the power supplies and Africa page for a full list of countries. When you are travelling to Benin from another country check that the iPhone 3GS can be used with a 240 volt supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts check the iPhone 3GS is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from overloading when powering up. If you plan to visit a place like Cotonou or Abomey-Calavi we recommend reading the wikipedia entry about Benin [1] for more details. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 6 or greater on the iPhone 3GS.

Charging the iPhone 3GS in Benin

Can the iPhone 3GS be used in Benin?

Yes, you can connect the iPhone 3GS to a Beninese power outlet by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Benin?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than your iPhone 3GS the best international travel charger for Benin to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Beninois use two different standards of wall outlets (types E and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C. As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPhone 3GS can support Fast Charge (note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times by using one of these USB travel chargers, and compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets. This will also allow you to power more than one device simultaneously without needing to pack multiple power chargers on your Beninese trip. Only packing a single international travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it ideal to store in hand luggage. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home as well as abroad so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional power outlet.

We recommend searching for this type of flexible travel charger at an electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for charging multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Benin

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to charge 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 converters offer surge protection which can be crucial for visitors of counties with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Benin 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 America going to Benin 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 travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and offers the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Benin. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 3GS in Benin?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Beninese power outlet

A guide showing how to charge your iPhone 3GS from a Beninese power outlet with a 30 pin connector with a 2 pin Type C USB charger.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 3GS from a Beninese 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 typically supply the cable when you buy your iPhone 3GS).
  2. First insert the Type C USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the power supply by the 2 circular adjacent holes for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power 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 Beninese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is charging which takes between 1 to 4 hours to completely recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Beninese power outlet

How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Beninese power outlet

Using the 30-pin Apple cable with a two pinned Type E power adapter to recharge your iPhone 3GS with a Beninese power outlet.

  1. If you want to charge the iPhone 3GS from the Beninese power outlet you will need to buy a Type E USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally supply the USB cable with the iPhone 3GS).
  2. Plug the Type E USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. The recessed round power outlet can be identified by the two circular adjacent holes for live and neutral plus one long metal earth pin protruding from the top to form a triangle configuration.
  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 iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3GS.
  4. Turn on the Beninese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPhone 3GS screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3GS is powering up which typically takes between 1 to 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type E power charger for recharging your iPhone 3GS from a Beninese power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Benin
  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 E power outlet
  7. Type E USB power plug adapter - Meeting CEE 7/5 and CEE 7/6 standards, the Type E USB power plug adapter uses the Schuko standard with two round pins and an earthing hole. It adapts European outlets such as Germany to USB-standard ports for USB device charging..
  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..