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FOR FOUR DAYS. What you need is security that the world hasn't collapsed. I did the math on consumption to run a compact fluorescent bulb for 4 hours a day, run a small radio for 4 hours a day, and charge a cell phone for 2 hours a day, and basically came up with this unit. PURCHASING DECISIONI bought and tested this unit twice on that load, and it worked both times. Live in DC now, and the power went out the winter of 2008.
In a real emergency, when the chips are really down, AC and fridges don't really matter. CONCLUSION1) To run one or two compact fluorescent bulbs, a small radio, and charge cell phones for a couple of days, this is an extraordinally wise investment in mental health during an emergency. That night was candles only, no radio, and had to run my car to charge my cell phone. I HIGHLY recommend this for the true basics, and peace of mind in an emergency.
I mean really, truly, and honestly need.2) One constant light source, one radio, and power for cell phone is all you really and honestly truly need for a day or so. It was hot, sticky and sweaty, but we had a light, a radio, and powered our cell phones. BACKGROUNDI got to my dad's place in South Florida after Hurricane Charley ripped through in 2004 and beat all the infrastructure to death. In this profile, this will keep you lit and in touch with the outside world for about 4-5 days. LONG TERM TEST RESULTSI have had the unit for 5 years now, and it still works fine.
1 light, a small radio, charged our cell phones, and we felt so much better. For most people, isn't that what we really need. Also used it many times camping to power some Christmas lights around the camp. It first night there was miserable.
Charged the cell phone during the next day. I knew the power would be on in a day or so, so I wasn't that worried. Anything much more, and you are looking at a gas generator. Holds the charge, and I still periodically test it under that load. Pulled the unit out, plugged in my lamp and radio (you need a splitter for this), and was good to go.
For the basics, when the chips are truly down, this little dude is really stunning.Hope this is helpful in your decision. If you are considering what your needs are, there are so many things this unit is not designed for. Cheers That was fun.
The next day after taking a bath in his pool, I looked at his small sailboat, and said, "Um, dad, don't you have an inverter on that." We pulled it out the inverter and the battery, and that night was so different. When it did, I was prepared. I bought one for all of my family members as Christmas presents. And that made all the difference in the world.Later, I really thought the experience through, and it's true.
And that is amazing.
I would highly recommend this to anyone. For those folks who are trying to power appliances like TVs or power tools - if you seriously want to do that you need a generator, which this is not. I bought my Powerpack Plus three years ago and have never had a problem with it. I have started cars, inflated tires & toys, relied on the light, and powered all sorts of SMALL electrical devices.
For me.It can be the difference between life and death. I use a C-PAP machine for my sleep abnea. This won't be a problem for him anymore. When the power goes out I hook it up to my C-PA.I am buying my second one for my brother as during the last power outage in Clinton MD he was without his C-PAP for over 8 hours. When the power goes out I can get back to sleep with confidence. I bought the Xantrex Power Pack 300 plus over a year ago.
Well, not only have I pumped up a few tires but it saved my basement. Once the generator was running I let it cool and rest before I used it as a flashlight.
I even connected it to my computer for about 1/2 hour on the same night to get the weather forcast. It was also great for powering a radio and portable TV but its not for major eclectrical devices.
I bought POWER PACK several years back. It really isn't for this (the surge of a sump pump could fry the battery) but I monitored it so it wouldn't over heat and I only used it for about 15 minutes, turning it off when the alarm went on.
It truely is a great little power pack. I wanted something for the car on long trips just in case I have a flat tire, need emergency lighting, and so on.
I used it to keep my sump pump going until I got my gas powered generator going.
My wife tried to use her hair dryer and it worked for a few minutes, but this is more for lights, laptops, tv, radio, etc. Really great for back up in the car or at your home. Also you might want to keep one in a car or in the garage. I think it is worth having at least 2-3 of these in each house. It is nice to have these around so when we lose power we can still power the lights for hours on end. They are not going to power your fridge or coffee maker.
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