Portable Power Station FAQs

Portable power stations are an innovative and handy solution for powering your electronics during load shedding or while you’re on the go.

A portable power station is a device that stores energy in a rechargeable battery, and can be used to power various devices and appliances.

You can charge it using different sources like wall outlets, solar panels, or even the cigarette lighter socket in your car.

Once it's charged, you can use it to power a wide variety of devices like laptops, TVs, lights, camping equipment, and outdoor appliances.

What sets a portable power station apart from a traditional generator is that it doesn't use an engine that burns fuel to generate electricity. Instead, it relies on a rechargeable battery to store electrical energy.

This makes it much quieter, lighter, more cost-effective, and more environment friendly than a generator.

There are many choices in the market that it can be super confusing to decide which one to go with. Before making your purchase, it's important to consider factors such as:

Battery Capacity:

This is one of the most important features because it determines how long you can use the power station before needing to recharge it. The battery capacity is measured in Wh (watt per hour), the larger the Wh, the longer it will last.

Before you buy, you should consider what you'll be using your power station for and do research on the watt requirements of your devices (Which can be found on a sticker at the side, the bottom or the
back of a device).

Outlets and Ports:

The number and types of outlets and ports on a portable power station will determine how many and what types of devices you can power.

AC outlet is used to power appliances that require standard household electricity.

DC outlet is used to power devices that require DC power, such as laptops. USB and Type-C portsare used to charge most digital devices such as phones and tablets.

Pecron portable power stations have 2 AC sockets (equipped with SA plug adaptors), 1 DC outlet, 2 USB 3.0 ports and 2 Type-C ports, which will accommodate all electronic devices.

Charging Time:

When it comes to charging time, most portable power stations take about 3-5 hours to fully recharge.

Pecron portable power stations take 2-3 hours to fully recharge.

Life cycle:

The charging life cycle of a portable station's battery indicates approximately how many times the battery can be charged before its capacity drops to 80%. Lithium batteries have a standard lifespan of about 800-1,000 cycles, while LiFePO4 batteries can last for 2,500-3,000 cycles.

The Pecron P600, for instance, can last for 1,000 life cycles before reaching 80% capacity.

What happens after the life cycles is that,due to wear and tear, the available battery capacity when fully charged will decrease from 100% to 80% (from 578Wh to 462Wh for Pecron P600). Please note that the battery capacity gradually drops over time and not suddenly after the life cycles are complete. Even after the battery has reached the end of its life cycle, it won't die and will remain functional. This means that you'll have 80% of the time length that you could use it for, as the battery won't have its full capacity available.

• Pecron P600: 1,000 life cycles before 80%
• Pecron S1000: 1,000 life cycles before 80%
• Pecron E2000LFP: 3,500 life cycles before 80%
• Pecron E3000: 3,500 life cycles before 80%

Safety Features:

When looking for a power station, it's important to ensure that it includes comprehensive safety measures to protect against electrical hazards, accidental misuse, and equipment malfunction.

Pecron is a qualified manufacturer with safety certifications such as FCC, CE, CB, and RoHS. These certifications guarantee that every product produced by Pecron has been thoroughly tested for quality to ensure the safety of both you and your devices.

In addition to these certifications,
Pecron's innovative Battery Management System (BMS) provides further safety confidence with a range of features, including:

- Short circuit protection
- Over load protection
- Over charge protection
- Over discharge protection
- Over heat protection
- Pure sine wave protection
- Power surges protection
- Temperature control

Size and weight:

How portable it is and if it will be easy to carry with you. A portable power station should be small and lightweight enough to be carried easily, but it should also be large enough to provide the amount of power you need.

• Pecron P600 weights at 5.9 KG
• Pecron S1000 weights at 10.5 KG

Portable power stations are versatile and capable of powering various devices, from small electronics such as phones,laptops, and tablets, to larger appliances like TVs, coffee makers, washing machines, and fridges. Please check the wattage requirements of your devices to ensure compatibility with your chosen power station.

To help you select the right size of PECRON Portable Power Station to meet your needs, we have created a list of available sizes, saving you time and effort.

Common Household Electronics and Their Wattage

- Pecron P600 (600W) & Pecron S1000 (1000W)
-- Light bulb 8-10w
-- Laptop computer 50-75w
-- Desktop computer 150-200w
-- Smartphone charger 5-10w
-- Tablet charger 10-20w
-- TV 80-200w
-- Music speaker 50w

- Pecron E2000 (2000W) & Pecron E3000 (2000W)
-- Hair dryer 1000-1800w
-- Vacuum cleaner 1000-2000w
-- Refrigerator 1000-2000w
-- Washing machine 1000-1500w

Keep in mind that these wattage numbers are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, model, and usage. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for exact wattage requirements.

The charging time of a portable power station depends on the capacity of the battery and the charging method used. Charging times can range from a few hours to several days.

PECRON Portable Power Stations take 2-3 hours to have a fully charge.

On a full charge, a portable power station can last anywhere from a few hours to several days on a single charge. The exact time depends on several factors, including the capacity of the battery, the power consumption of the devices being charged, and the temperature and humidity of the environment. To calculate the estimated working time of your power station, you can use the formula: Working time = Wh x 0.85 / operating wattage of your device. For instance, if you have a 578Wh power station and your device uses 60 watts of power, it will run for approximately 8 hours.

The power requirements of a washing machine can vary widely depending on the size, type, and age of the machine. A typical household washing machine can require anywhere from 300 to 500 watts during operation. However, this is just the running wattage, and the starting wattage (when the machine is turned on) can be much higher.

To power a washing machine with a portable power station, you would need a power station with a capacity of at least 1500-2000 watt-hours (Wh) to account for the higher starting wattage and provide enough energy to run the machine for a full cycle. However, it's important to note that not all portable power stations are designed to handle high-wattage devices like washing machines, and you should always check the manufacturer's specifications before attempting to power a washing machine or any other high-wattage device with a portable power station.

Technically speaking, it is possible.

However, in order to in order to prolong the cycle life of the battery, it is not recommended to charge and discharge the battery at the same time.

The cost of a portable power station varies depending on the capacity and features of the unit. Prices can range from around R3,000 to over R50,000.

AlwaysPowered is providing the portable power stations at the best price you can find in SA.

Yes, portable power stations are generally safe to use as long as they are used correctly and maintained properly. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using a power station.

Here are ten simple yet important guidelines you should follow to maximize the lifespan of your portable power station:

1. Read the User Manual

Before using your portable power station,make sure to read the user manual carefully. This will help you understand the features, limitations, and safety instructions of the device.

2. Use Compatible Devices

Make sure to use compatible devices with your portable power station. Check the voltage, wattage, and current requirements of the device before connecting it to the power station. Using incompatible devices may damage the device or the power station or cause a
safety hazard.

3. Maximise Battery Life

To help extend the life of the battery, consider unplugging any unnecessary components when they are not in use, disconnecting nonessential or fully charged devices, and avoiding leaving devices plugged in constantly during day and night cycles. To protect the battery from potential damage caused by high surges during load-shedding cycles, it is recommended to charge the portable power station using a surge protector plug. By taking these precautions, you can significantly extend the number of charge cycles your battery will endure over time.

4. Follow Optimal Temperature Range

Avoid exposing your station to extreme temperatures. It's recommended to keep it in a stable environment with a temperature range of 15℃ to 30℃.

5. Avoid Overloading

When powering multiple devices simultaneously, make sure the total wattage output doesn't exceed your station's capacity. Overloading the station can cause damage to both the station and the connected devices. Try not to run too many high-powered items at once, or spread out their usage over several hours.

6. Keep the Station Clean

Regularly clean the power station. Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to clean the exterior and the ports of the the device and make sure it's free of dust and debris.

7. Check the Cables

Regularly inspect the cables of your power station for signs of wear and tear, and replace them if necessary.

8. Use the Power Station Regularly

Regular use and charging of the power station help maintain the battery's health and performance. If you do not plan to use the power station for an extended period, make sure to charge it fully before storage and recharge it every 3-4 months.

9. Turn Off All Outputs When Not in Use

To prevent unnecessary battery drain,ensure that all outputs are turned off and the power station is switched off when not in use.

10. Store in a Cool, Dry Environment

Please store your power station in a cool and dry environment that is well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in places with excessive moisture or extreme temperatures, such as moldy basements or uninsulated outdoor sheds. Also, keep it away from heat sources like furnaces or fireplaces.