How to charge the iPad from a power outlet in The United Kingdom

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type G power adapter to charge the iPad from a UK power outlet.

UK power outlet

Different combinations of frequencies and region codes can often lead to confusion when planning on staying in a foreign country for the first time traveller. If you are planning a vacation to The United Kingdom this page has instructions showing how to charge your iPad using the standard 230 volt 50Hz G Type plug outlet, with the British using a BS 1363 13 amp plug for power outlets. Power sources will vary regionally so please read the Wikiconnections travel power supplies page where you'll find a complete list showing destinations. If you are visiting The United Kingdom from a different country please ensure that the iPad can accept a 240v supply. If your iPad originated in a country which uses a lower voltage such as 110v check your iPad is dual voltage (marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional transformer to avoid the device from being damaged whilst powering it. If you plan to stay in a destination such as London or Swansea please read the wikipedia page about The United Kingdom [1] for more information prior to the location. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in The United Kingdom

Can the iPad be used in The United Kingdom?

You can use the iPad in The United Kingdom by using the correct power adaptor.

What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in The United Kingdom?

When travelling with more than your iPad and visiting multiple countries the best travel adapter for The United Kingdom to buy is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and can handle from 100 - 240 volts will mean you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by changing the supplied heads. If your iPad can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices can) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB travel chargers and additional compatibility with certain power demanding devices.

Having a 4 port adapter will allow you to recharge multiple devices at once without needing to pack individual travel adapters for your trip. By only bringing a single USB travel charger will also keep the overall weight down, making it perfect to fold up and store in hand luggage as well as being suitable for recharging your iPad at the airport or on a plane. Because of their flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used at home so when you're not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers and using only a single plug socket.

We suggest searching for an adaptable power adapter of this nature at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose power charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for The United Kingdom

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, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is necessary when visiting counties with unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both The United Kingdom and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 The United Kingdom 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 North America 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 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 ideal for most travellers from around the world visiting The United Kingdom. [6] [AD]
What is the best power charger for recharging the iPad in The United Kingdom?

Powering the iPad with a UK power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type G power adapter to charge the iPad from a UK power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPad using the UK power outlet you'll need to buy a Type G USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple will usually supply the USB cable when you first purchase your iPad.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type G USB power plug adapter into the UK power outlet. You can identify this power outlet by the 3 rectangular holes forming a triangular shape for live, neutral and ground.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple cord into the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the UK power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up which should take between one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad with a UK power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type G USB adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - wikipedia page about The United Kingdom
  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 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. 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..