Backup power for power cuts

This guide is for anyone wondering whether they need backup power for a power cut, and what kind. It helps you sort what you'd want to keep going into two groups, and points you to the right next step for each.

You don't need to buy anything to start. Begin by working out what you'd actually want to keep going.

The short answer

• If you only need to keep phones, a tablet or a rechargeable torch going, a charged power bank is usually enough.
• If you'd want to keep something going that plugs into a mains socket, such as the broadband router, a fridge, a pump or medical equipment, a power bank won't run it. A portable power station may help, and our sister site Ferncharge compares them.

Use the check above to sort your own devices.

Step one: decide what matters to you

Think about what you'd want to keep going in a power cut, and why:

• Staying in touch: mobile phones, so you can call for help and get updates.
• Light: a torch or lantern. Official advice is to use torches or battery lanterns rather than candles.
• News: a battery or wind-up radio for local updates.
• Care and health: any medical equipment, a telecare alarm, or a landline that someone relies on.
• Home: the router, the fridge or freezer, a well or sump pump, heating controls.

Step two: sort them by how they charge

Things that charge from a USB socket, such as phones, tablets, rechargeable torches and rechargeable radios. A charged power bank can top these up.

Things that need a mains socket, such as the router, a fridge, a laptop, a boiler or heating pump, a well or sump pump, and medical equipment like a CPAP machine or oxygen concentrator. A power bank can't run these.

Power banks

A power bank is a small battery that charges phones and other USB devices. Official kit lists include a charged power bank so you can keep your mobile working to call for help and get updates.

When choosing one, check:

• it has the right sockets and cables for your devices
• you can recharge it easily, and you'll remember to keep it topped up
• it's a size you'll actually keep in your kit

Charged power bank and phone cable Ad See power bank on Amazon

Keep it charged, keep the cables with it, and store it with the rest of your kit.

When a power bank isn't enough

If your list includes mains devices, you have a few options:

• Plan around it. For many things, a plan is enough: keep the fridge and freezer doors shut, keep warm in one room, use mobile data instead of wifi.
• Ask the right people. For a landline that plugs into your router or a telecare alarm, ask your phone or telecare provider about a battery backup.
• Look at a portable power station. We don't size them or work out how long they'd run something. Our sister site does: compare portable power stations on Ferncharge.

Medical equipment

If someone at home relies on medical equipment that needs power, talk to the equipment supplier first. They can tell you what backup is safe for that device. Join the Priority Services Register too: it's free, and it tells your network operator to give your household extra help in a power cut.

Don't change how medical equipment is powered without the supplier's advice.

Generators

A generator produces carbon monoxide, which can kill. Never use a generator indoors or in a garage, and fit a carbon monoxide alarm.

Never connect a generator or power station to your home wiring yourself. That must be done by a qualified electrician with the right switchgear.

When to get help

• If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• If medical equipment stops and someone's health is at risk, call 999. For equipment questions, call the supplier.
• For updates on a power cut, call 105.
• For any connection to your home's wiring, use a qualified electrician.

This guide sorts devices by type only. It can't tell you how long a battery would last or what size you'd need.

FAQs

What is the difference between a power bank and a power station?

A power bank charges small USB devices such as phones. A portable power station is a much larger battery with mains-style sockets, for devices that plug into the wall. Ferncharge explains power stations in detail.

How long will a power bank last?

It depends on the power bank and the device, so we don't give a figure. Ferncharge has a check for how long a battery would run your devices.

What devices should I prioritise during a power cut?

Start with a way to stay in touch (your mobile), light, and local news. Then anything someone at home relies on for care or health.

Can I use a car battery or car inverter to power household devices?

Don't connect anything to your home wiring yourself. If you're thinking about anything beyond charging a phone, ask a qualified electrician.

Can a backup battery run a boiler or an electric heater?

We don't work out what a battery can run. Ferncharge compares power stations and checks how long one would run your devices.

How often should I charge a backup battery?

Keep it topped up, and check it whenever you check the rest of your kit.