Understand the power rating of a portable power station

Can I use a 500W portable power adapter for my rice cooker? Can I use a 1000W outdoor power adapter for a drill? Can I...

We recently received these questions. Let's learn more about rated power, actual power, and peak power.

1. Load power deviation

Rated power:

The rated power is determined during the design and manufacturing of the device. The rated power refers to the power the device can provide during normal operation, and the device can function normally and smoothly under this power. The rated power is indicated on the labels of everyday appliances.

Actual performance:

The power consumed when the appliance is actually in use. The actual power may be higher or lower than the rated power. Note: The allowable deviation between the actual power and the rated power is 10%. For example, if the rated power of an electrical appliance is 1000W, the actual power consumed may be 1100W (or 900W), but most of the actual usage is above 10%.

Therefore, when selecting an outdoor power station, there must be a power margin, otherwise the problem will arise that the power cannot be used when the power exceeds the power supply.

2.Peak power of the load

Loads are all electrical devices that consume electrical energy. Loads can be divided into the following categories based on their electrical properties:

1 Resistive load: The load of the resistance element generates heat during operation. Such as electric stoves, electric heating cups, water dispensers, light bulbs, etc.

2. Capacitive load: refers to a load with capacitance parameters, that is, a load that meets the characteristics of a voltage-lagging current. Common capacitive loads include computers, televisions, and other electrical devices with switching power supplies.

3 Inductive load: Electrical devices manufactured according to the principle of electromagnetic induction have coils inside. They are usually electromechanical products such as electric fans, motors, air conditioners, electric drills, etc.

The loads of electrical devices are all composite loads. When using portable power stations outdoors, we should focus on inductive loads. Inductive loads have peak power during use, and the starting power is generally 8-10 times higher than the rated power!

Choose the right portable lithium power station depending on your power needs.