Charging the iPhone 4S when planning a trip to Switzerland

Using the Apple USB 30 pin connector with a Type C USB charger to charge your iPhone 4S with a Swiss power outlet and charging the iPhone 4S using a Type J USB plug.

Swiss power outlet

Differing combinations of region codes and voltages can all lead to confusion when planning to travel to a new country, especially if you've never been there before. These instructions have been specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 4S when you're visiting abroad.If you're staying in Switzerland this page contains useful instructions showing charging the iPhone 4S by using their standard J or C type Swiss 230 volt 50Hz power outlets, most Swiss will normally use Type J plugs in their wall outlets. If you are visiting Switzerland from another country ensure your iPhone 4S can be charged using a 240v supply. If it came from a country which uses a lower voltage (for example 110 volts) check that the device is dual voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to prevent the device from overheating during charging. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

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Charging the iPhone 4S in Switzerland

Can you use the iPhone 4S in Switzerland?

You can connect the iPhone 4S to a Swiss power outlet.

What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Switzerland?

When travelling to multiple countries and bringing along more than your iPhone 4S then the best travel charger for Switzerland to buy is a multiple USB adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two standards of wall outlets that Swiss use (J and C) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type C.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries around the world simply by changing the included heads. If your iPhone 4S can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much quicker recharging times with one of these types of travel chargers, and compatibility with certain power hungry devices.

This means you can recharge multiple devices at the same time without needing to buy individual power adapters. By only bringing a single international travel charger will also keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their versatility these types of chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones, tablets and speakers without using up an additional plug socket.

We recommend buying an adaptable travel charger like this online - the travel charger illustrated below is the universal multi-device 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 Switzerland

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 international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact option for travellers originating from America going to Switzerland 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 is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 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 Switzerland. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel charger for the iPhone 4S in Switzerland?

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

Using a 30-pin connector with a Type C USB charger to charge your iPhone 4S with a Swiss power outlet.

  1. To power your iPhone 4S from a Swiss power outlet you will need to buy a Type C USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is typically already included with the device by Apple.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type C USB power plug adapter into the Swiss power outlet. You can recognise this plug supply by the two adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB cable into the bottom of the 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. Switch on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the cell screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the mobile is charging which takes between 60 to 240 minutes to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with a Swiss power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type C Europlug USB adapter

How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPhone 4S from a Swiss power outlet

Instructions on how to recharge the iPhone 4S from a Swiss power outlet with a 30-pin Apple cable and a 3 pin Type J power adapter.

  1. If you want to power your iPhone 4S from a Swiss power outlet you'll need to buy a Type J USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this USB cable is normally already included with the device by Apple).
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type J USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the wall supply. You can recognise this flattened hexagon shaped plug supply by the three circular holes in a flattened triangle shape for live, neutral and earth.
  3. Plug in 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 iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Turn on the Swiss power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPhone screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPhone is charging which typically takes roughly 1-4 hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type J power charger for charging your iPhone 4S from a Swiss power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Swiss country entry on wikipedia
  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. Universal multi-device USB wall charger - A universal multi-device USB wall charger features USB PD and standard ports for fast charging simultaneous. These includes interchangeable international plug adapters making it ideal for travel and certified for safety to protect against current and heat.