Charging the iPad 2 when planning a trip to Italy

A page showing how to charge your iPad 2 with an Italian power outlet using a 30-pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type F power adapter, how to power the iPad 2 using a 2 pin Type C power adapter and charging the iPad 2 using a Type L power charger

Italian power outlet

If planning a vacation it is useful to know in advance if you'll be able to power your vital devices like cell phones or tablets at your hotel. However, without knowing which power supply is used in Italy you are more likely to bring the wrong adaptor, therefore leaving you needing to buy or borrow a suitable adaptor when you're there which might not be compatible and cause problems with your iPad 2. Various combinations of frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning on travelling to another country for the first time traveller. This isn't as complicated as it appears, with only a handful of different types of common standards being used in the world this article shows exactly what you'll need to buy in advance to power your iPad 2 . This guide has been written to stop you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the iPad 2 when you are going abroad.The following guide tells you exactly what you'll need to power your iPad 2 when going to Italy using the types L, C or F 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets, please note Type L power outlets will be used by a majority of Italians. If you are travelling to Italy from another region ensure your iPad 2 can be charged using a 240v supply. If it originated in a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your iPad 2 is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional voltage converter to avoid the device from over-heating whilst powering it up. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 2.

Charging the iPad 2 in Italy

Can you use the iPad 2 in Italy?

You can connect the iPad 2 to an Italian power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for the iPad 2 in Italy?

When travelling with more than your iPad 2 or visiting more than one country the best international travel adapter 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. As these chargers come with interchangeable pins and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your type of iPad 2 is compatible with Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from faster charging times by using one of these types of travel chargers, plus additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other travel chargers this means you can charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack multiple power adapters for your Italian trip or using up additional power sockets. Because you are only packing a single lightweight travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling as well as being suitable for charging your iPad 2 at the airport or on your flight. Due to their space saving versatility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets without needing an additional wall outlet.

We recommend buying an adaptable travel charger of this nature at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Italy

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to charge devices using USB, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, 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 best selling compact option for travellers originating from America going to Italy using 3 pin type B 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 the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a more flexible 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Italy. [10] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPad 2 in Italy?

How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from an Italian power outlet

Using a 30-pin connector with a Type C USB charger to charge your iPad 2 with an Italian power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to the iPad 2 using the Italian power outlet you will need to use a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (typically already included with the device by Apple).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This ungrounded power supply is identified by the 2 round holes next to each other.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the mains power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector is found at the bottom of the iPad 2.
  4. Switch on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the tablet will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 2 is powering up and takes around one to four hours to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type C power charger for recharging your iPad 2 from an Italian power outlet

Charging the iPad 2 from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Using a 30-pin Apple cable and a 2 pin Type F power adapter to recharge the iPad 2 from an Italian power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPad 2 using the Italian power outlet you will need to use a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (usually supplied with your iPad 2).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type F USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. The circular wall outlet, also known as a Schuko outlet or Type F power outlet [6], can be identified by the two circular holes 19 mm apart from each other where the twin plug outlet pins slide into and a pair of thin grounding clips at the top and bottom.
  3. Then connect one end of the power cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 2.
  4. Turn on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad 2 screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which takes roughly one-four hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad 2 from an Italian power outlet by using a two pinned Schuko Type F USB adapter

Charging the iPad 2 from an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

Using a 30-pin Apple cable and a Type L USB charger to charge your iPad 2 with an Italian power outlet.

  1. If you want to power your iPad 2 using the Italian power outlet you will need to use a Type L USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (usually supplied with your iPad 2).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type L USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. You can identify the squashed hexagon shaped power supply by the three round holes forming a line. Note that there are two types of Type L power outlet, one rated for 10 amps and one at 16 amps. A 10 amp version has 4mm round pins which are spaced 5.5mm apart whilst a 16 amp version has slightly larger 5mm thick pins spaced 8mm apart.
  3. 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 iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 2.
  4. Turn on the Italian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is charging which typically takes roughly 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad 2 from an Italian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type L USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Italian country entry on wikipedia
  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 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..