5 GEAR AND DEVICES YOU CAN PLUG INTO A PORTABLE POWER STATION
One of the most important things to have while engaging in outdoor activities, is the ability to stay in charge and connected to power. With connectivity to power, various gears and devices may be used without worry.
With portable power stations, people can power up appliances and charge gadgets without carrying large, not to mention loud gas-powered generators. To answer the question of which type of gear and devices may be plugged into a portable power station, this article may serve as a resource, providing all the information needed.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF A PORTABLE POWER STATION
Traditionally, gas-powered generators were the only options when living off-grid or when sudden power outages happen at home or the office. These traditional generators work just fine. However, they are bulky and loud, and since they function using gasoline—they are not very eco-friendly.
On the other hand, portable power stations like battery-powered generators, solar-powered battery chargers, and small power banks are the perfect alternatives for powering up the necessary gear and devices. These portable power stations provide convenience, pack enough power, and most of all— they are portable.
TYPES OF POWER
There are two types of power; normal power and surge power—and appliances can be used under the nominal power output with portable power stations.
Before purchasing and knowing which portable power station is the right option, it is important to learn about the two types of power to find out and ensure the gear and devices used can be powered up efficiently.
Normal Power
Normal power is the electricity-consuming speed when running gear and devices. Electrical appliances running on normal power consume a consistent amount of electricity the entire duration they are turned on or running.
For example, when purchasing a portable power station with 1000 watts of nominal power output, most appliances that run under 1000 watts will most likely work.
Surge Power
Surge power is the kickstart electricity-consuming speed when a specific device is turned on.
Examples of gear and devices that use surge power are appliances that come with a motor. When deciding to buy a portable power station, it is best to check if it can support a maximum surge power when powering up a specific device.
When initially starting up these appliances, the surge power will consume twice, or sometimes even three times the normal power. Once the device is up and running, it will run with normal power and consistently consume the same amount of electricity throughout.
For example, some portable power stations have a surge power of 2000 watts or higher, which is ideal for appliances that use that much power when starting up.
HOW PORTABLE POWER SYSTEMS ARE USED
Portable power systems can be used in many ways. It may be used when going on an off-grid adventure or as an emergency source of power when power outages occur.
It is important to ensure that the portable power stations are fully charged. When electricity is available, portable power stations may be charged by using any power outlet. However, if there is no access to electricity, most portable power stations can be charged using portable wind turbines and portable solar panels.
Here are some examples of how portable power stations can be used:
Office
Power outages can happen anywhere and can be caused by power surges, short circuits, and other weather conditions. Although portable power stations cannot supply power for entire offices, they can power up computers, lights, and the basic things offices need to operate.
Retail
Retail outlets can benefit from portable power stations during blackouts. With an emergency power outlet, retailers can plug in devices that facilitate inventory, such as computers, cash registers, credit card processors, label machines, and LED signage.
Manufacturing and Distribution Centres
In manufacturing and distribution centres like factories and warehouses, portable power stations can power up barcode scanners, label printers, computers, and lights.
Outdoor Events
Outdoor events, such as weddings, concerts, family gatherings, retreats, and more could use portable power stations to power up guitar amplifiers, small audio systems, and most of the electronic components needed to get through the event.
Home
At home, people can use a portable power station to power kitchen appliances, TVs, lights, alarm systems, garage doors, phone and laptop chargers, electric fans, sump pumps, fish tanks, entertainment systems and more.
Personal Recreation
Portable power stations are also beneficial to people who enjoy going on outdoor adventures, like camping, fishing, road trips, tailgating, beach parties, and more. They can use it for lights, speakers, phone chargers, and other gear and devices outdoors.
GEAR AND DEVICES THAT CAN BE PLUGGEN INTO A PORTABLE POWER STATION
Here are 5 examples of what a portable power station can power up:
Refrigerator
Depending on the power station’s maximum output and the minimum power needed for a refrigerator, a portable power station can be used to power up something as large as a refrigerator.
For example, if a refrigerator has 6.5 amps and 110 volts, multiply 6.5 amps by 110 volts to get the total watts, which is 715 watts—the same formula may be applied to other home appliances.
Power Bank
Power banks only take a minimum amount of power when being charged, hence portable power stations may be used to charge power banks, laptops, phones, and more.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/ CPAP Machines
Some patients need Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP Machines to prevent the collapse of their airways. But because these machines need electricity to work, a portable power station is an excellent way to make sure that their CPAP machines will continue working during emergency power outages.
Small Electronics
Portable power stations can be used to power small electronics like radios, CD players, TVs, laptops, computers, LED lights, and more—making them ideal for outdoor parties and other outdoor recreational activities.
Heavy-duty Work Lights
For emergencies and other operations that require heavy-duty lights at night, having a portable power generator is ideal. For example, road construction that can only be done at night when there are minimal vehicles can use a power station to power up heavy-duty lights—the same goes for outdoor concerts and events that require bright lighting.
PORTABLE POWER STATIONS: THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR POWERING GEAR AND DEVICES
Portable power stations can power up most home appliances and other electrical components during emergencies and in places without access to electricity. But since they are just merely batteries, they can still eventually go flat.
While off the grid or during emergencies, a portable wind turbine such as the Texenergy Air 5T or Texenergy Infinite Air 18 would be an ideal way to charge portable power stations used for powering up most of the devices needed.
In addition, these wind turbines are also compatible with the Texenergy Infinite Solar 24, which can boost electric power charging by 30% to 50% depending on the weather condition. Having these portable power sources will ensure that your portable power station always stays charged to have enough power to supply home appliances, office equipment, and other recreational needs.