What size power station do I need?
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The right size depends on what you want to run and for how long. Each guide below takes one appliance, explains where to find its watts, and works through the runtime using the formula on our methodology page. For several appliances at once, use the sizing calculator.
Our guides compare manufacturers' published specs. Ferncharge has not tested any of these products.
Calculators
- What size power station do I need? (calculator): add your appliances and hours to get a capacity and output figure, with the working shown.
- Power station runtime calculator: how long a power station of a given size will run one appliance.
Guides by appliance (A to Z)
- 12V fridge or cool box: average consumption, runtime from the 12 V socket, and what the maker's figures mean.
- CPAP machine: using your device's own power figures. Not medical advice: check with your equipment supplier or clinician.
- Electric blanket: mains and 12 V blankets, runtimes, and Electrical Safety First's advice.
- Kettle: kettle watts against continuous output and boost modes, and low-wattage camping kettles.
- Router and Wi-Fi: keeping broadband on in a power cut, UPS switchover, and digital landlines.
Before you compare models
- Power station specs compared: manufacturers' published specs side by side, in alphabetical order.
- How we work out sizes and runtimes: the formula and every default assumption we use.
- Power station safety: official UK advice on charging, indoor use, generators and carbon monoxide, and flying.
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