How Much Backup Power Do You Need? (UK Power Guide 2025)

🔌 How Much Backup Power Do You Need? (UK Power Guide 2025)

Choosing the right size portable power station can be confusing, especially when every device in your home draws different amounts of power. This UK-focused guide explains exactly how much backup power you need, what size power station suits your home, and which models deliver the best value for real UK power cut scenarios.

📊 Step 1 — Identify What You Need to Power

Start by choosing the devices you want to keep running during a power cut. Most UK households prioritise:

  • Wi-Fi router (essential for communication)
  • Mobile phones
  • Laptop or home-working setup
  • LED lighting
  • TV or radio
  • Fridge (if needed during long outages)

👉 Use the Backup Power Calculator

🧮 Step 2 — Work Out the Total Wattage

Add up the wattage of the devices you plan to run at the same time.

Typical UK wattages:

  • Wi-Fi Router: 8–12W
  • LED Lamp: 5–10W
  • Laptop: 40–65W
  • Television: 40–90W
  • Fridge (cycling): 60–120W
  • Phone Charging: 5–20W

Wattage is usually printed on the device label or plug-in mains adaptor.

🔋 Step 3 — Match Wattage to Power Station Size

🔹 Light Backup (under 80W total)

Suitable for Wi-Fi, phone charging and a lamp.

🔹 One-Room Backup (80W–200W)

Perfect for Wi-Fi, lights, laptop, TV or multiple devices.

🔹 Whole-Home Essentials (200W–600W)

For fridge protection, heating controls, lighting and communications.

Note: The AC300 inverter module requires a compatible battery — sold separately.

⏳ Step 4 — Estimate Runtime

Runtime (hours) = Battery Wh × 0.85 ÷ Device Watts

Example using 140W total load (router + lights + laptop + TV):

1440Wh × 0.85 ÷ 140W = ~8.7 hours

👉 Calculate Your Exact Runtime

🏡 Real UK Scenarios & Recommendations

Scenario Recommended Model Runtime
Wi-Fi + phones EB3A 6–10 hours
Wi-Fi + lights + laptop AC180P 12–30 hours
Fridge + heating controls + router AC300 12–48 hours
Garden room or shed AC60P / AC200P L 5–20 hours

✔ Final Recommendation

Your ideal power station size depends on how long you want to stay powered and which devices matter most during a UK outage. Use the calculator to build your exact setup — and choose a model suited to your home and situation.

👉 Shop All Portable Power Stations

👉 Explore Emergency Kits

🔗 Related UK Backup Power Guides

⚡ Models to Fit Your Power Needs