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Power station runtime calculator
Already have a power station in mind? Choose it, add what you'll plug in, and see roughly how many hours it will keep those things running at the same time.
| Item | Qty | Running W | Starting W |
|---|
How we calculate: runtime = (capacity x 0.8) ÷ combined running watts. The 0.8 factor is our planning allowance for inverter losses and reserve charge, not a manufacturer figure. Real runtime is usually longer for cycling loads like fridges and furnace blowers, and shorter in cold rooms.
FAQ
How long will a 1,000Wh power station run a fridge?
With our 0.8 usable-energy factor, a 1,000 Wh battery gives about 800 Wh. Divided by the 192 running watts Honda lists for an Energy Star fridge, that is just over 4 hours of continuous running. Fridges cycle, so real runtime is usually longer; your EnergyGuide kWh/year figure gives a better daily estimate.
Why does my runtime come out shorter than the manufacturer says?
Makers often quote runtimes for a specific low load or a DC output, which skips inverter losses. This calculator assumes all loads run at their running watts, all the time, through the AC inverter, so it leans conservative.
What happens if my load is higher than the inverter rating?
The power station will shut off its AC output or refuse to start the load. The calculator flags when your combined running watts exceed the continuous rating, or when the biggest starting load exceeds the surge rating.