Enter your battery capacity in watt-hours and the devices you plan to run. We automatically calculate real-world runtime with 15% to 20% inverter and conversion losses included.
Follow these four core rules to size the right battery capacity and inverter output for your needs.
Watts (W) measure instantaneous power draw—how fast energy is consumed. Watt-hours (Wh) measure total battery storage capacity. You need both to determine runtime.
Check device nameplates: phone chargers draw ~15W, laptops ~65W, CPAPs ~40W, and full-size refrigerators ~150W average with peak compressor spikes.
The power station's continuous inverter rating must exceed your combined load. Inductive motor loads (fridges, pumps, drills) demand 2x to 3x starting surge output.
DC-to-AC inverters lose 15% to 20% of stored energy as heat. Multiply usable Wh by 0.85 before dividing by your load wattage for safe planning.
A typical Energy Star refrigerator draws about 150 W while running, but cycles its compressor on roughly one-third of the time (averaging ~60 W over 24 hours).
With a 1,000 Wh battery: 1,000 Wh × 0.85 ÷ 60 W = 14.2 hours of protection during a power outage.
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Independent analysis based on electrical physics, manufacturer datasheets, and owner reviews. No sponsored units or paid rankings.
Not necessarily. Extra capacity adds significant weight, bulk, and recharge time. A 2,000 Wh unit weighs ~50 lbs, while a 500 Wh unit weighs ~13 lbs. Size for your actual essential loads plus a 20% safety buffer.
Portable power stations are designed for point-of-use appliances or dedicated critical-circuit transfer switches. Running whole-home 240V HVAC, electric water heaters, and ovens requires a hardwired whole-home backup system.
Spec sheets quote ideal DC battery cell capacities. Real-world AC inverter conversion losses (15% to 20%), parasitic display drain, ambient temperatures, and appliance startup surges all reduce usable runtime.
Yes, high-quality modern stations with EPS or UPS pass-through modes power connected devices directly from wall AC, switching seamlessly to battery within 20 milliseconds during a blackout without wearing out the battery.
Learn how we extract manufacturer specs, calculate inverter loss factors, and verify owner review telemetry.