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Can you charge a power station while using it?

By the Ferncharge team · Figures last checked

Advertising disclosure: This page contains no affiliate links.

The short answer: on many models, yes. Makers call it pass-through charging, or a UPS feature when the power station is plugged into the mains. Jackery's manual explains that with the mains connected, the AC sockets are powered from the mains, not the battery, and it switches to battery within 20 ms if the mains fails (Jackery manual). There are limits, and makers warn against using it for some equipment.

Based on manufacturers' published specs and manuals. Ferncharge has not tested these products. Estimates only.

What the makers say

ModelWhat the maker saysStated switchoverChecked
Anker SOLIX C1000To use UPS, connect to a wall outlet, press the AC outlet button and connect your devices. Lists a bypass mode with AC input up to 2,280 W (Anker UK user guide)20 ms21 Oct 2026
BLUETTI AC180Stated UPS (BLUETTI UK)20 ms18 Oct 2026
EcoFlow RIVER 3Stated UPS (EcoFlow UK)Under 20 ms18 Oct 2026
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2With mains connected, the AC output comes from the mains, not the battery (Jackery manual)Within 20 ms21 Oct 2026

Alphabetical. Stated figures only: check your model's manual.

BLUETTI's manual for another model, the Elite 100 V2, says it "supports pass-through charging", draws power from the outlet to run connected devices, and switches to battery within 10 ms (BLUETTI manual).

The limits

  • Not a professional UPS. Jackery calls its feature a "non-professional UPS" with no 0 ms switching, and says not to connect equipment such as data servers and workstations. It recommends testing several times first and connecting only one device (Jackery manual). BLUETTI gives the same warning about servers and workstations (BLUETTI manual).
  • Boost modes may not work. Anker says SurgePad doesn't function in bypass mode (Anker UK user guide).
  • Input is shared. BLUETTI's Elite 100 V2 lists AC input of 2,300 W for charging and bypass together, against 1,200 W for charging alone (BLUETTI manual). Anything you run takes part of the mains input, so expect charging to take longer than the stated time (our inference). See how long a power station takes to charge.
  • Not every input combines. Jackery says the Explorer 1000 v2 can't charge from solar and the car at the same time (Jackery UK).

When it's useful

  • Before and during a power cut: keep a router or lamp plugged into the power station, and the power station plugged into the wall. If the mains fails, it switches to battery. See our router guide and power cuts guide.
  • Medical equipment: check with your equipment supplier first. See our CPAP guide.
  • Solar in the day: if your model supports pass-through from its solar input, running things while the battery charges. See what size solar panel you need.

FAQs

Can you use a power station while it's charging?

On many models, yes. Makers call it pass-through charging or UPS. Check your model's manual for what it supports.

What is UPS on a power station?

With the power station plugged into the mains, your devices run from the mains, and it switches to the battery if the mains fails. The four models above state switchover times of 20 ms or under.

Can I use a power station as a UPS for my computer?

Jackery and BLUETTI say not to use theirs for equipment such as data servers and workstations. Check your model's manual.

Does using it while charging slow the charge?

The mains input is shared between charging and what you're running, so expect charging to take longer.

Related: Mains charging time · Router and Wi-Fi · Power cuts · Spec table

Sources