How to charge the iPhone 4 when visiting Switzerland

Using an Apple USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type C power charger to charge the iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet and how to recharge the iPhone 4 using a Type J power adapter.

Swiss power outlet

If planning a trip to Switzerland it can often be useful to know in advance if you'll be able to power any indispensable devices when you get there. By not knowing which wall socket is being used you may end up either having to bring unnecessary adaptors or pack the wrong adaptor, leaving you needing to buy or borrow a potentially expensive power adaptor when you get there which could be incompatible. Different voltages and plugs can often lead to confusion when planning on staying in a different country especially if you've never visited before. This guide was written to prevent you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPhone 4 when you are visiting Switzerland.When visiting Switzerland this page has useful instructions showing you how to charge your iPhone 4 by using the J or C type Swiss 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, please note that Type J power outlets are typically used by a majority of Swiss. If visiting Switzerland from a different country ensure that the iPhone 4 can be used with a 240v supply. If the iPhone 4 was purchased in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure the device is dual-voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional converter to stop the device from over-heating during charging. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in Switzerland

Can the iPhone 4 be used in Switzerland?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 4 in Switzerland by using a power convertor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 4 in Switzerland?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 4 then the best travel adapter for Switzerland to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two types of wall outlets in Switzerland (types 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 plugs and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your model of iPhone 4 supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB travel chargers along with additional support for certain power hungry devices like tablets. This will allow you to recharge multiple devices at once without needing to bring multiple power chargers. Only bringing a single lightweight USB travel charger will keep the size down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being on hand for recharging your iPhone 4 at the airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without using up an additional power outlet.

For those travelling regularly we suggest buying an adaptable power adapter like this online. The travel adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested with multiple USB devices in numerous 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 wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting counties with unstable power grids. These travel adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, North America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 countries around the world:

  • 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 option for travellers originating from North America visiting Switzerland.
  • 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 is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPhone 4 in Switzerland?

How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet

Using an Apple USB 30-pin connector and a two pinned Type C power charger to charge the iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4 using the Swiss power outlet you'll need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is normally supplied with the device).
  2. First you'll need to insert the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can identify this plug outlet by two circular holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the USB adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your cellphone will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes roughly one to four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Europlug Type C power charger for charging your iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet

Charging the iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

Instructions on how to charge your iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet by using the Apple 30-pin cable and a three pinned Type J power charger.

  1. To power the iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet you will need to use a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - normally already supplied with your device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type J USB power plug adapter into the Swiss power outlet. You can identify the flattened hexagon shaped wall outlet by the 3 large round holes in a triangle pattern.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of the cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is charging, typically taking roughly one-four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a Swiss power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type J USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Swiss Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPhone 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..