How long will my power station run?

Power station runtime depends on the usable battery capacity, the wattage of connected devices, and how those devices operate.

Note: Actual runtime may vary based on temperature, device load, inverter efficiency, and whether connected devices cycle on and off.

Environment

• GB power stations
• Appliances, electronics, and tools

Runtime formula

Use these formulas to estimate runtime (assuming 100% state of charge, or SOC)

Usable Capacity* ÷ Load (Watts) ≈ Estimated operating time in hours

*Usable Capacity = (Nameplate Capacity * Inverter Efficiency)

Note: DC output is more efficient, because the Power Station does not run the inverter to power DC appliances and electronics.

To find the capacity and inverter efficiency of your GB power station, see What Is the Power Output of a GB Power Station?. These values are also listed in the product spec sheet. To find the spec sheet for your GB Power Station, enter the serial number or model number on the Product Lookup Page.

Example

• Taylor wants to use his GB1800 to power his mini fridge so he can keep his beer and cheese cold during a power outage. 
• His GB1800 has a 1024 Wh capacity and is fully charged (100% SOC).
• His GB1800 has an inverter efficiency of 92%.
• His mini fridge requires 120 watts to run.

Taylor calculates the usable capacity of his GB1800 like this: (1024 Wh * .92 = 942.08 Wh)

Then, plugging usable capacity into the formula below, he finds runtime:

942.08 Wh ÷ 120 watts = 7.85 hours of runtime

Therefore, if Taylor's GB1800 power station is only powering a 120 W mini fridge, runtime can be estimated as approximately 7 hours and 51 minutes.

Common GB1800 runtime examples

(942.08 Wh usable capacity ÷ Load = runtime, at 100% SOC, single device only)

• 10 W light: about 94.2 hours (94 hours 12 minutes)
• 120 W refrigerator: about 7.9 hours (7 hours 51 minutes)
• 1200 W microwave: about 0.8 hours (47 minutes)
• 110 W, 50-inch TV: about 8.6 hours (8 hours 34 minutes)
• 11 Wh phone: about 85.6 full charges
• 60 Wh laptop: about 15.7 full charges
• 60 W car fridge: about 15.7 hours (15 hours 42 minutes)
• 1400 W circular saw: about 0.7 hours (40 minutes)
• 1000 W electric drill: about 0.9 hours (57 minutes)
• 1500 W portable heater: about 0.6 hours (38 minutes)

Why runtime varies

• Some devices use more power when starting than when running.
• Motors, compressors, and heating elements can change power draw during operation.
• Cold or hot temperatures can affect battery performance.
• Using AC outlets requires inverter power, which affects usable runtime.
• Leaving AC output on with no load can consume standby power.