The journal
Plain answers on power stations, home batteries, generators and transfer switches, each with its sources linked.
Backup Power
A closed fridge keeps food safe for about 4 hours and a full freezer about 48. See the USDA and CDC times, what to keep or throw out, and how to make cold last longer.
Power Stations
Yes, but a car socket is slow. See what the 12 V outlet can really deliver, how many hours a power station takes to fill, faster alternator and EV options, and the carbon monoxide rules.
Backup Power
Why your heating stops when the power goes out, which heat sources work with no backup, a power station or a generator, and the carbon monoxide rules that keep you safe.
Batteries and Generators
Yes, a generator can run a mini split. See real watts by BTU from spec sheets, why voltage matters as much as size, and what 2,000, 3,500 and 5,000 W generators can run.
Backup Power
Keep your router and modem online when the power goes out. Learn what your internet box needs, mini UPS vs power station runtime, and when Wi-Fi still fails.
Backup Power
What backup an oxygen concentrator needs in a power outage, the watts makers publish, runtime by battery size, and why a cylinder backup comes first.
Batteries and Generators
Which power stations and home batteries can start a 240 V well pump, how split phase output and soft starters help, and how this differs from a generator.
Batteries and Generators
What a generator inlet box installation includes, the published cost ranges, the factors that push your quote up or down and the questions to ask an electrician.
Batteries and Generators
Generator sizes for 1/2 to 2 hp submersible well pumps from Franklin Electric's AIM manual, why 2 wire pumps need 50% more and how 240 V changes the setup.
Power Stations
Electric blanket watts by heat setting, hours and nights per power station size, the inverter warning in some blanket manuals and 12 V options for outages.
Power Stations
Yes, but not for long. See how many minutes a 1,500 W space heater runs on each power station size, what inverter you need and safer ways to stay warm.
Power Stations
How big a power station your CPAP needs, using ResMed's measured draw with and without the humidifier, nights per battery size and why DC power helps.
Backup Power
Most apartments have no generator for your unit. High-rises must back up elevators, exit lights and fire systems. See what stays on, whether you can use a generator in an apartment and what to use instead.
Batteries and Generators
Yes, a generator can run a gas furnace. See blower watts by horsepower, the generator size you need, power quality rules and safe ways to connect a hardwired furnace.
Batteries and Generators
Amp service sets your panel's ceiling, not your generator size. See what 100, 125, 150 and 200 amp homes usually need, when a 22 kW standby fits and when load management is required.
Power Stations
A 1000Wh power station runs a 100 W load for about 8 to 9 hours. See runtime for 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000Wh stations by appliance, what a 2000W rating really means and how many years one lasts.
Backup Power
Compare home backup power options for 2026, from power banks and power stations to solar generators, home batteries and generators, with costs and sizing.
Backup Power
Generator interlock kit vs transfer switch, with how each works, what NEC 702.5 requires, pros, cons and which suits your generator or power station.
Power Stations
Expandable power stations for home backup compared by brand, with battery pack sizes, max kWh per unit and system, 240 V linking, lock in and code limits.
Batteries and Generators
Whole home generator vs whole home battery from spec sheets, covering continuous kW, motor starting, multi-day runtime, install rules, noise and warranty.
Batteries and Generators
Dual fuel vs inverter generator explained, from fuel choice vs power quality to output, 240 V, noise, runtime and weight, using maker spec sheets.
Batteries and Generators
Standby generator vs portable generator for home backup, comparing power, fuel, runtime, safety, noise, installation and upkeep from maker spec sheets.
Backup Power
Sump pump backup options compared, including battery backup pumps, water powered pumps, power stations and generators, with maker spec runtimes.
Power Stations
Best portable power station for home backup, sized by watt hours and surge, with LiFePO4, UPS, ports and a worked fridge, CPAP and router example.
Backup Power
Manual vs automatic transfer switch for a portable power station, with step-by-step outage use, a decision table, caveats and code safety notes.
Batteries and Generators
Is a home battery worth it without solar? An honest yes or no based on your outages, electricity tariff and incentives, plus cheaper alternatives to consider.
Backup Power
How to connect a portable power station to your house safely, with manual and automatic transfer switches, inlet boxes and interlock kits explained.
Power Stations
Backup power for apartments and renters, with safe, landlord-friendly ways to keep Wi-Fi, a fridge and a CPAP running in an outage, no generator needed.
Batteries and Generators
Home battery backup vs generator, with upfront cost, running costs, runtime, noise and safety compared from sourced prices, so you can pick the right one.
Backup Power
A practical power outage preparation checklist for homeowners and renters, for before, during and after a blackout, with a free printable PDF.