How to charge the iPad 3 when planning a trip to Canada

Using a USB 30 pin Apple connector with a Type A power charger to charge the iPad 3 from a Canadian power outlet.

Canadian power outlet

Varying different combinations of standards and voltages can often lead to confusion when planning on staying in a foreign country for the first time traveller. If you are staying in Canada this page has useful instructions showing how to power your iPad 3 using a standard 120 volt 60Hz Type A power outlet, the Canadians will use a NEMA 1-15 P ungrounded plug for charging. If your iPad 3 charges slowly or does not power up when you are visiting Canada from a different country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which originated from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that your device is dual voltage (normally marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 3.

Charging the iPad 3 in Canada

Can you use the iPad 3 in Canada?

Yes, you can use the iPad 3 in Canada.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPad 3 in Canada?

If you are travelling to more than one country then the best international travel charger for Canada is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Because these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa just by changing the plugs over. If your model of iPad 3 supports Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from quicker recharging times by using one of these types of power chargers, along with support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple power chargers or using up additional wall outlets. Only packing a single international USB travel charger will keep the weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand baggage while travelling and suitable for charging your iPad 3 at an airport or on a plane. Due to their versatility 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 smartphones, tablets and e-readers with only a single power outlet.

We recommend searching for a multipurpose travel adapter like this online, the power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries around the world.

Alternative travel adapter for Canada

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which can be necessary when visiting regions with unstable power grids. These travel converters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Canada and over 150 destinations:

  • 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 portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Canada using 3 pin 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 Canada. [6] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPad 3 in Canada?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Canadian power outlet

Using a USB 30-pin Apple connector with a Type A power charger to charge the iPad 3 from a Canadian power outlet.

  1. To power the iPad 3 from a Canadian power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (this cable is normally included with the iPad 3).
  2. First plug the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Canadian power outlet. This unearthed wall outlet, technically known as a Type A power outlet [3], can be identified by two thin slots next to each other.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple 30 pin USB cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 3. The iPad 3 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 3.
  4. Switch on the Canadian power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right corner of your iPad 3 will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is powering up taking between one to four hours to recharge to full capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad 3 from a Canadian power outlet

See also

  1. Wikipedia - Canada Wikipedia web page
  2. Apple - official iPad user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device 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..