How to charge your iPad 4 from a power outlet in Switzerland

A guide on how to power your iPad 4 with a Swiss power outlet by using the Apple Lightning cable with a Type C power charger and recharging the iPad 4 using a Type J power adapter.

Swiss power outlet

Various region codes and plugs can often cause confusion when planning on staying in another country if you've never visited before. However this isn't as complicated as it first appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards used in the world this guide tells you exactly what you'll need to purchase in advance to power the iPad 4 . If you are visiting Switzerland these useful instructions show powering your iPad 4 using the standard types J or C Swiss 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, please be aware that Type J wall outlets will be normally used by most Swiss. When you are visiting Switzerland from a different region please ensure that the iPad 4 can accept a 240v supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) ensure that the iPad 4 is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to avoid the device from being damaged during charging. If you intend to visit a Swiss destination such as Zürich or Geneva refer to the Swiss country Wikipedia page [1] for further details prior to the area. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 4.

Charging the iPad 4 in Switzerland

Can you use the iPad 4 in Switzerland?

Yes, you can use the iPad 4 in Switzerland by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad 4 in Switzerland?

When travelling to multiple countries the best international travel power adapter for Switzerland to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Swiss use two different types of plug sockets (J and C) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your iPad 4 can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these types of USB power chargers and additional compatibility with more power hungry devices. Having a 4 port charger will allow you to recharge more than one device at the same time without needing to buy seperate power chargers on your trip to Switzerland. Only needing to pack a single lightweight travel charger will help keep the size down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones and using only a single plug socket.

For those travelling frequently we recommend buying a flexible travel adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer; the multipurpose travel 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 good reliably.

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 4, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting counties with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Switzerland.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs and gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with just one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more 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 suitable for most travellers from around the world visiting Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad 4 in Switzerland?

Charging the iPad 4 from a Swiss power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

A guide on how to power your iPad 4 with a Swiss power outlet by using the Apple Lightning cable with a Type C power charger.

  1. In order to charge the iPad 4 using a Swiss power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], Apple will normally include the cable when you first purchase your iPad 4.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type C USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the power supply. This wall outlet, sometimes known as the Europlug or Type C power outlet [3], is recognised by the two round holes next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB Apple Lightning power cord into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad 4. The iPad 4 lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad 4.
  4. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad 4 is charging, typically taking around 60-240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPad 4 from a Swiss power outlet by using a two pinned Europlug Type C USB adapter

Powering the iPad 4 with a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

Instructions showing how to recharge the iPad 4 with a Swiss power outlet with an Apple Lightning cable and a Type J USB adapter.

  1. In order to power your iPad 4 using a Swiss power outlet you will need to buy a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple normally include this cable with your iPad 4.
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type J USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. You can identify this hexagon shaped plug outlet by the 3 holes forming a flattened triangular pattern.
  3. Plug in the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad 4. The iPad 4 lightning connector is situated at the bottom of the iPad 4.
  4. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your tablet screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging and takes roughly one to four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad 4 with a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Swiss country Wikipedia page
  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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..