How to charge your iPhone 3G from a power outlet in America

Using a USB 30-pin Apple connector and a two pinned Type A USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from an American power outlet and charging the iPhone 3G using a 3 pinned Type B power plug.

American power outlet

Differing voltages and standards can often be daunting when planning on visiting another country especially if you've never visited before. These instructions have been written to prevent you having to worry if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 3G when you're in America.The following step-by-step guide shows you what you'll need to charge the iPhone 3G when staying in America by using the B or A type 120 volt 60Hz plug outlets, most Americans use Type B wall outlets. Most power sockets differ regionally so we recommend that you read the WikiConnections global power supplies page where you'll find a complete list of regions and countries. If your iPhone 3G slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when you are visiting America from a different country please check that it is compatible with a 120 volt power supply. Typically devices which originated from a country which use a higher voltage (for example 220 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that the iPhone 3G is dual voltage (you'll find these are usually indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you are running Apple iOS 4 or greater on the iPhone 3G.

Charging the iPhone 3G in America

Can you use the iPhone 3G in America?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 3G in America by using the correct power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in America?

If travelling with more than your iPhone 3G or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for America is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of plug sockets that Americans use (types B and A) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your iPhone 3G is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these USB travel adapters, plus support for certain power hungry devices like tablets.

This means you can power more than one device at the same time without needing to bring individual power chargers for your trip. Because you are only needing to bring a single international USB travel charger will help keep the weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple smartphones and tablets with only a single plug socket.

If you travel frequently we suggest buying a versatile travel adapter like this at an electronics retailer, the multipurpose travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for charging multiple USB devices in numerous foreign countries.

Alternative travel adapter for America

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 iPhone 3G, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which can be useful for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both America and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from America visiting America using type B American plug sockets.
  • 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 from the US using type B plugs. This is a more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet at almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 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 a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting America. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 3G in America?

Powering the iPhone 3G with an American power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Using an Apple 30 pin connector and a two pin Type A USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 3G from an American power outlet.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 3G using the American power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will normally include the cable when you first purchase your iPhone 3G).
  2. Start the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter in the American power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the twin blades sit.
  3. Then connect one end of the cable into the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Switch on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 3G is recharging and takes roughly one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 3G with an American power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 3G from an American power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using the Apple 30 pin connector and a three pin Type B USB adapter to charge your iPhone 3G from an American power outlet.

  1. To supply power to the iPhone 3G using the American power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this cable is typically included with your device by Apple.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the American power outlet. You can recognise the power supply by 2 thin slots next to each other with a semicircle shaped hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 3G.
  4. Turn on the American power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the mobile is recharging and takes between 1 - 4 hours to completely recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 3G from an American power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Visittheusa - Visit The USA
  2. Apple - official iPhone 3G 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. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  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..