How to charge the iPhone 4S from a power outlet in South Africa

Instructions showing how to power your iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet by using a 30 pin Apple cable with a Type C USB adapter, charging the iPhone 4S using a Type F power adapter and powering the iPhone 4S using a three pin Type M USB charger

South African power outlet

Varying different combinations of standards and plugs can all cause confusion when planning to visit a different country, especially if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of common standards used throughout the world this article shows exactly what to pick up in advance to power the iPhone 4S . This guide was written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 4S abroad.If you are planning a vacation to South Africa this page has instructions showing powering your iPhone 4S by using the M, C, F or N type 230 volt 50Hz wall outlets, Type M power outlets will be typically used by a majority of South Africans. When travelling to South Africa from another country check your iPhone 4S can be charged using a 240 volt supply. If it was purchased from a country which uses a lower voltage such as 120 volts ensure that your device is dual-voltage (marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to stop the device from overheating whilst powering it. If you intend to stay in a place like Cape Town or Johannesburg we also recommend referring to the South African Wikipedia page [1] for further information. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in South Africa

Can the iPhone 4S be used in South Africa?

You can use the iPhone 4S in South Africa by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 4S in South Africa?

When you are travelling with more than your iPhone 4S and visiting multiple countries the best travel adapter for South Africa to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are four different types of plug sockets that South Africans use (M, C, F and N) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type C. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by switching the plugs over. If your iPhone 4S is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these travel adapters, plus compatibility with more power hungry devices. This will allow you to recharge more than one device at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters for your South African trip. By only bringing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up in hand luggage and suitable for recharging your iPhone 4S at an airport or on a plane. Due to their flexibility these types of power chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used overnight charging multiple phones and tablets without using up an additional power outlet.

If you travel to South Africa we recommend searching for this type of flexible power adapter online. The travel adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous different countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for South Africa

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 4S, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power converters offer surge protection which is crucial for visitors of counties with unreliable power grids to prevent damage to any connected devices from voltage spikes. These power converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both South Africa and over 150 countries around the world:

  • 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 option for travellers originating from North America visiting South Africa using type B US plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise 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 and is a much more cost effective 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 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 perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting South Africa. [12] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPhone 4S in South Africa?

Powering the iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin connector and a 2 pinned Type C power charger to recharge the iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to your iPhone 4S from the South African power outlet you will need a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - the cable is usually included with your iPhone 4S by Apple.
  2. Begin by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug supply, also called the Europlug, can be identified by two round holes next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a South African power outlet

A guide on how to recharge the iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet with a USB 30 pin cable and a two pinned Type F USB charger.

  1. To power the iPhone 4S from a South African power outlet you will need to buy a Type F USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply this USB cable when you buy the iPhone 4S.
  2. Begin the process by inserting the Type F USB power plug adapter in the South African power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the two holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the twin pins sit and two thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.
  3. Connect one end of the cable into the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone 4S is recharging which takes around one-four hours to fully recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type F power charger for recharging your iPhone 4S from a South African power outlet

Powering the iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin connector and a 3 pinned Type M power charger to recharge the iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPhone 4S using the South African power outlet you'll need to buy a Type M USB power plug adapter [9] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the USB cable is usually already included with your iPhone 4S by Apple).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type M USB power plug adapter in the power supply. This power outlet (sometimes known as the Type M power outlet [8]) can be identified by three holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Then connect one end of the 30 pin cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is powering up, typically taking roughly 1-4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with a South African power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type M USB adapter

How to use a Type N power charger for charging your iPhone 4S from a South African power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin Apple cable with a Type N power adapter to charge your iPhone 4S from a South African power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 4S from the South African power outlet you will need a Type N USB power plug adapter [11] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - the cable is typically included with the iPhone 4S.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type N USB power plug adapter in the wall outlet. The flattened hexagon shaped wall supply, technically known as a Type N power outlet [10], looks like 3 circular holes forming a flattened triangle configuration for live, neutral and earth pins.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the South African power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of the iPhone 4S will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is charging and takes between 60 to 240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type N power charger for charging your iPhone 4S from a South African power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - South African Wikipedia 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 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 M power outlet
  9. Type M USB power plug adapter - South African Type M USB chargers have three large circular pins in a triangular shape with the top earthed pin longer and larger in diameter.
  10. iec.ch - Type N power outlet
  11. Type N USB power plug adapter - The three 4mm rounded pins on a grounded Brazilian Type N USB charger form a flattened triangular pattern.
  12. 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..