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Using USB Wall Outlet to Charge iPad

I was wondering if any harm can be cause by using a reputable brand USB wall charger. In other words, instead of using the 10 watt Apple charging brick with the lightening cable, using the lightening cable and plugging it directly into the USB wall charger (i.e., bypassing the Apple charging brick). It seems like it may charge faster using the wall outlet directly, but wouldn't want to risk charing the iPad in this manner if potential harm could be cause.

Posted on Dec 2, 2014 5:29 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 2, 2014 6:14 AM

Most USB wall sockets are OK as the lightning cable has a small voltage regulator in it anyway. That said there are two caveats I would add:


1. If your home experiences a power failure, surge or brown-out, you are more likely to damage the iPad.


2. Most iPads need quite a lot of juice and you will need to make sure that the output current is enough to charge the iPad.


I always recommend that people use the supplied chargers from the original manufacturer to avoid potential issues.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 2, 2014 6:14 AM in response to Dannyb1

Most USB wall sockets are OK as the lightning cable has a small voltage regulator in it anyway. That said there are two caveats I would add:


1. If your home experiences a power failure, surge or brown-out, you are more likely to damage the iPad.


2. Most iPads need quite a lot of juice and you will need to make sure that the output current is enough to charge the iPad.


I always recommend that people use the supplied chargers from the original manufacturer to avoid potential issues.

Dec 2, 2014 6:59 AM in response to Dannyb1

You should have no issue if you stick with reputable company like Skydiver119 mentions. Also, be sure that the aftermarket charger is rated for the same output (look at the watts ratings here) as the Apple charger or higher.


It's also worth noting that using an aftermarket charger of the same wattage output as the Apple charger likely will not charge the device any faster or slower. Certainly not anything you'd notice.


Also, moving to a higher wattage charger (10 watt vs 12 watt) is fine but don't expect any noticeable vast increase in charging speed...I supposed you'd notice if you did a timed test between the two but otherwise, don't expect miracles.

Using USB Wall Outlet to Charge iPad

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