What Is a Portable Power Station? Capacity, Output Power and Selection Criteria
A portable power station is a rechargeable energy source that delivers the energy in its built-in lithium battery through an inverter to a 230 V AC socket, USB and DC outputs.
A portable power station is a rechargeable, portable energy source that delivers the energy stored in its built-in lithium battery through an inverter to a 230 V AC socket, as well as to USB and DC outputs. During camping, in caravans and boats, on construction sites and during power outages it runs laptops, modems, lighting, power tools and small household appliances without mains power. It does not generate energy, it only delivers what it has stored; once empty, it is recharged from the mains, a vehicle outlet or a solar panel, depending on the model.
Power station, UPS and generator compared
| Device | Energy source | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Portable power station | Built-in battery | Running small and medium-power devices for hours where there is no mains, quietly and without exhaust |
| UPS | Battery permanently connected to the mains | Automatic transfer for a connected computer or server during an outage |
| Generator | Fuel | Long-lasting, high-power supply for as long as fuel is added |
Selection criteria
- Output power (W): The total power of the devices running at the same time must not exceed the station's continuous output power. Motor-driven devices such as refrigerators, drills and pumps briefly draw much more power when starting; check the peak power in the manufacturer datasheet. In the catalog, Cata CT-4041 has 300 W and CT-4043 2500 W of output power.
- Capacity (Wh): Determines the runtime. The approximate runtime is the capacity (Wh) divided by the load power (W); because of inverter losses, the real runtime is shorter. For example, a 517 Wh station can theoretically supply a 50 W load for about 10 hours. The Schneider Electric OffGrid models are 332, 517 and 738 Wh.
- Output types: Compare the number of AC sockets, USB-A, USB Type-C and DC outputs with your devices. Powering a laptop or phone directly from USB-C avoids inverter losses.
- Charging method and time: Confirm the mains, vehicle and solar charging options and the full charging time in the datasheet.
- Weight and environment: Weight rises with capacity. The product data gives a storage temperature of −20…70 °C and an IP40 protection rating; IP40 gives no protection against water, so do not use the station outdoors in the rain.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Wh with W: An output power of 2500 W says nothing about how long the station will run; runtime depends on capacity (Wh).
- Connecting heaters and kettles: A 2000 W heater overloads a 300 W station and drains a larger one in a short time.
- Relying only on the station for an outage lasting days: A long supply needs recharging with a solar panel or a generator.
- Storing it empty for a long time: Charge a station you are not using at intervals as the manufacturer instructs.
Power stations in the catalog
The Portable Power Stations category has 5 active products: Schneider Electric 3, Cata 2.
| Model | Value in the product name | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| Schneider Electric OffGrid 330 | 332 Wh, lithium-ion, 230 V | `PPS330-GR` |
| Schneider Electric OffGrid 500 | 517 Wh, lithium-ion, 230 V | `PPS500-GR` |
| Schneider Electric OffGrid 730 | 738 Wh, lithium-ion | `PPS730-GR` |
| Cata Etna | 300 W | `CT-4041` |
| Cata Vezüv | 2500 W | `CT-4043` |
For the Schneider Electric models check the output power, and for the Cata models the capacity, on the product page. If a connected device needs automatic transfer during an outage, see the Line Interactive UPS category.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a portable power station run?
Divide the capacity by the load power: a 332 Wh station can theoretically supply a 100 W load for 3.3 hours; with inverter losses the runtime is lower.
Can a power station be used instead of a UPS?
Use a UPS for computers and servers that are sensitive to interruptions. Confirm in the manufacturer datasheet whether a power station transfers automatically during an outage and how long the transfer takes.
Can a portable power station be taken on a plane?
Lithium batteries are subject to airline rules; lithium-ion batteries above 160 Wh cannot be carried on passenger aircraft. The Schneider Electric models in the catalog are 332 Wh and above; check your airline's rules before travelling.