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New guides on HoldBackup this week.
How to Charge a Portable Power Station From a Generator During a Long Outage
Yes, a generator can charge a portable power station. Match the wattage, use the AC input, and plan charging blocks for a long outage.
The short answer: Buy a power station whose maximum AC charging input fits under your generator's running-watt rating, or one whose manual lets you lower the charge rate, and confirm that number on both spec sheets before the outage.
Portable Power Station Expansion Battery vs Buying a Second Unit
An expansion battery adds watt-hours but not watts. A second unit adds both. Here is how to decide which one fits your outage plan.
The short answer: Buy an expansion battery only if your current unit's output rating already covers your loads and the maker lists a compatible pack; otherwise buy a second power station sized to your own watt and watt-hour numbers.
Can a Portable Power Station Run a Sump Pump? Sizing for Surge and Runtime
How to tell if a portable power station can start and run your sump pump, and how to estimate hours of runtime from your own pump's numbers.
The short answer: Buy a portable power station whose continuous and surge ratings clear your pump's running and starting draw, then check its watt-hours against your pump's measured duty cycle.
Choosing a Battery Backup (UPS) for a Gas Boiler and Circulator Pump
How to pick a battery backup (UPS) for a gas boiler: pure sine wave output, sizing from the nameplate, runtime at your load, and a safe hookup.
The short answer: Buy a pure sine wave UPS like the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD, but first confirm that its runtime at your boiler's measured load covers the outage length you care about.
UPS VA vs Watts: How to Read a Battery Backup (UPS) Rating
VA and watts are not the same on a UPS. Learn which number to size by, how to find your load, and what to check on the spec sheet before you buy.
The short answer: Buy a UPS whose watt rating sits comfortably above your measured load, and let the maker's runtime chart at your own wattage decide between models.
How to Balance Portable Generator Loads Across Transfer Switch Circuits
Split your generator's watts evenly across both legs of a manual transfer switch. Map circuits, add up loads, and switch them over in the right order.
The short answer: Choose a manual transfer switch with enough circuits for every load you plan to back up, such as the 10-circuit, 30-amp Reliance Pro/Tran kit on this page, and let your electrician confirm that your generator's output and outlet type suit a 30-amp switch.
How to Size a Battery Backup UPS for an Aquarium Air Pump or Filter
Keep your aquarium air pump or filter running in an outage. Learn how to size a UPS from your pump's label and the maker's runtime chart.
The short answer: Choose a pure sine wave UPS, like the listing on this page, and confirm on the maker's runtime chart that your pump and filter load lasts as long as your typical outages.
Can a Portable Generator Run a Tankless Gas Water Heater?
Most tankless gas water heaters need electricity only for controls, igniter, and fan. Here is how to size a generator and connect it safely.
The short answer: Buy an inverter generator whose running watts clear your heater's rated electrical draw plus anything else you plan to run, and confirm with a licensed electrician how the heater will be connected before you buy.
Choosing a Portable Power Station for Apartment Renters
Can't run a generator in your apartment? Here's how to size and choose a portable power station for outages, using your own devices' numbers.
The short answer: Buy a portable power station sized to your own devices, and let two numbers decide it: its continuous watt rating must exceed your combined load, and its watt-hours must cover the runtime you need.
How Long Can a Portable Power Station Run an Electric Blanket Overnight?
Work out how many hours a portable power station can run your electric blanket using your blanket's watts, its heat setting, and the station's watt-hours.
The short answer: Buy a portable power station whose watt-hours comfortably exceed your blanket's measured overnight use plus a margin, and confirm it with a plug-in watt meter reading at your usual heat setting.
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Our holiday playbook offers a month-by-month guide to reaching shoppers during this all-important time of year.
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