Charging your iPad Mini from a power outlet in Ghana

Using the Apple Lightning cable and a Type G USB charger to power the iPad Mini from a Ghanaian power outlet and charging the iPad Mini using a three pinned Type D power adapter.

Ghanaian power outlet

Complicated combinations of standards and voltages can all be confusing when planning on staying in a different country, especially to the first time traveller. This guide has been written to help prepare travellers wanting to power their iPad Mini when they are visiting Ghana.These step by step instructions shows you exactly what you'll need to power the iPad Mini when you're visiting Ghana using their standard G or D type Ghanaian 230 volt 50Hz plug outlets. When travelling to Ghana from a different region ensure that your iPad Mini can accept a 240 volt supply. If your iPad Mini came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110v) ensure that your device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power converter to stop the device from over-heating whilst powering it. If you're planning on visiting a Ghanaian city like Accra we also suggest reading the wikipedia entry about Ghana [1] for further information. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini.

Charging the iPad Mini in Ghana

Can the iPad Mini be used in Ghana?

Yes, you can connect the iPad Mini to a Ghanaian power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini in Ghana?

If you are travelling to more than one country or bringing more than just your iPad Mini then the best international travel adapter for Ghana is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Ghanaians use two different types of power outlets (G and D) and using a power charger like this will ensure that you are covered for type G. As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts - 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by changing the included plugs over. If your iPad Mini can support Fast Charge (note that not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these USB power adapters, plus additional compatibility with certain power hungry devices. Unlike other travel chargers having a four port adapter means you can recharge multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring seperate travel adapters or occupying additional wall sockets. Because you are only bringing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the overall size down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple smartphones, tablets and e-readers without needing an additional plug socket.

If you travel to Ghana we recommend buying a versatile power adapter of this nature online; the power adapter illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Ghana

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 Mini, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips 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 Continental Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 America going to Ghana.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This gives practically the same set of features 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 a 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Ghana. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad Mini in Ghana?

How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPad Mini from a Ghanaian power outlet

Using the Apple Lightning cable and a Type G USB charger to power the iPad Mini from a Ghanaian power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPad Mini from a Ghanaian power outlet you'll need to buy a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] - Apple should normally supply this USB cable with the iPad Mini.
  2. Firstly insert the Type G USB power plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify the wall outlet by the three vertical holes with shutters in a triangular pattern for live, neutral and ground pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is found at the bottom of the iPad Mini.
  4. Switch on the Ghanaian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of your iPad Mini will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad Mini is charging which takes between 1 to 4 hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type G power charger for charging your iPad Mini from a Ghanaian power outlet

Powering the iPad Mini with a Ghanaian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

Using the USB Lightning Apple cable with a three pinned Type D power adapter to recharge your iPad Mini with a Ghanaian power outlet.

  1. To charge your iPad Mini using the Ghanaian power outlet you will need to buy a Type D USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (Apple will normally supply the USB cable when you buy the iPad Mini).
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type D USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the Ghanaian power outlet. This plug outlet (known as a Type D power outlet [6]) can be recognised by 3 circular holes forming a triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB Apple charging cable into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad Mini.
  4. Turn on the Ghanaian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of the tablet will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which takes roughly 60-240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini with a Ghanaian power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type D USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia entry about Ghana
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type G power outlet
  4. Type G USB power plug adapter - Suitable for use in England, Ireland, and Scotland, a grounded three pin Type G adapter turns UK electrical power outlets into USB ports for reliable charging..
  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 D power outlet
  7. Type D USB power plug adapter - Designed for usage in South Asian countries such as India and Nepal, the Type D USB power plug adapter offers a practical solution for converting local 3-prong grounded outlets into USB ports, providing reliable charging for a range of USB devices..
  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..