Power station for a router: keeping Wi-Fi on in a power cut

By the Ferncharge team · Figures last checked 18 October 2026

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The short answer: a broadband router typically uses 7–10 W (Energy Savers). Even a small power station can run one for many hours. A 245 Wh model works out at roughly 19–28 hours from its mains socket on our assumptions. If you have full fibre, the fibre box (ONT) on the wall needs power too: Openreach says that if its power supply is unplugged, "your broadband stops working" (Openreach). So add its watts. Prepare also warns: "You would lose internet connection and possibly mobile signal during a power cut" (GOV.UK Prepare).

Compared on manufacturers' published specs. Ferncharge has not tested these products.

Work out the size for your router (opens the sizing calculator with a 10 W broadband router; add your fibre box's watts from its label).

How long will a power station run a router?

Runtime = capacity (Wh) × 0.81 ÷ watts from the mains socket (LiFePO4; see methodology).

The 10 W fibre box figure is only an example, so check the label on yours. Rounded down.

UPS or power station?

• A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) takes over when the mains fails.
• Some power stations state a UPS or switchover function: you plug the power station into the wall and the router into the power station, and it switches over when mains power fails. Stated switchover times (alphabetical): Anker SOLIX C1000 "20ms" (Anker SOLIX UK); BLUETTI AC180 "20ms" (BLUETTI UK); EcoFlow RIVER 3 "<20 ms" (EcoFlow UK); Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 "UPS ≤20ms" (Jackery UK). Jackery's manual adds that this "is a non-professional UPS function, it does not support 0ms switching", and says: "Please test several times to confirm compatibility before use and it is recommended to connect to only one device" (Jackery manual). Check whether your router stays on through that gap. We haven't tested this.
• A power station also runs other things, such as lights and phone charging. See power stations for power cuts.

Example models with a stated UPS function (alphabetical; each name links to the maker's UK product page, where you can check the current price): Anker SOLIX C1000 · BLUETTI AC180 · EcoFlow RIVER 3 · Jackery Explorer 1000 v2. More in the spec table.

Digital landlines and power cuts

Ofcom says digital landlines need mains electricity and won't work in a power cut unless there's a battery backup (Ofcom):

• If you rely on your landline and don't have a working mobile or reliable mobile signal, tell your provider. It must offer you a free backup solution, such as a battery backup unit, lasting at least one hour in a power cut. Ofcom notes some providers' backups last up to seven hours.
• Even with no signal on your usual network, calling 999 from a mobile will try other networks.
• Telecare and care alarms can also be affected. Check with your provider and alarm supplier.

GOV.UK's Prepare campaign also advises calling 999 or 112 from a mobile if your landline doesn't work in a power cut (GOV.UK Prepare).

Safety

Fire services advise charging lithium batteries on a hard, flat surface, away from escape routes such as hallways (NFCC). Follow your power station's manual for where to use it. See our power station safety guide.

FAQs

How many watts does a router use?

Typically 7–10 W, according to the Centre for Sustainable Energy's Energy Savers list. Check the label on your router's power adapter.

Will my Wi-Fi work in a power cut if I power the router?

Only if your provider's network is still powered. Powering your router and fibre box keeps your end working. We can't say how long the wider network stays up in any area.

Is a UPS or a power station better for a router?

It depends on what you need. A UPS's stated runtime for your router's watts tells you how long it covers. A power station stores more energy and can run other things too. Some state a UPS switchover time. We don't rank either option.

Do I need the fibre box powered too?

If you have full fibre with a separate fibre box (ONT), yes. Openreach says that if the ONT's power supply is unplugged, your broadband stops working, and that the router plugs into the ONT (Openreach).

Related: Runtime calculator · Power cuts · Safety