Most households need roughly 1,000 to 3,000 watt-hours (Wh) to cover essentials through an overnight outage, and 3,000 Wh or more for a full day with a refrigerator, lights, devices and some extras. Your number depends on what you run and for how long. The math is simple, and you can do it in about ten minutes.
The basic formula
Watt-hours = device watts × hours of use. Then add a cushion of about 20-30% for inverter losses, since a power station never delivers 100% of its rated capacity to your devices. That cushion is a rule of thumb, not a Jackery-specific spec.
Typical ballpark loads
These are common ranges. Check the label or manual on your own appliances, since real draw varies widely.
| Device | Typical draw | Approx. Wh per 12 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Phone charging | 10-20 W | Under 20 Wh per full charge cycle |
| LED lights (a few) | 20-50 W | 240-600 Wh if all on |
| Wi-Fi router and modem | 10-30 W | 120-360 Wh |
| Modern refrigerator | 100-200 W while running, cycling on and off | Often 500-1,000 Wh (it runs only part of the time) |
| CPAP machine | 30-60 W (humidifier adds more) | 360-720 Wh |
Watts matter too
Capacity (Wh) is how long you can run things. Output (W) is what you can run at once. Refrigerators and pumps can surge well above their running watts at startup, so check that the station's rated output and surge rating cover that. Space heaters, electric stoves and central air are usually too demanding for a portable station.
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Refrigerator (~800 Wh), router (~200 Wh), lights (~300 Wh) and phones (~100 Wh) total about 1,400 Wh. Add a 25% cushion and you land near 1,750 Wh for 12 hours. That is an estimate, not a measured result.
Medical devices
If you rely on powered medical equipment, do not depend on a rough estimate. Ask your device maker or clinician about power requirements and backup plans, and have a secondary option.
Stretching your runtime
Solar panels can recharge during the day, which helps in multi-day outages, though output depends on sun, season and panel wattage. Confirm current capacities, outputs and compatible accessories on the official Jackery site before buying.
Related
- How to Size a Power Setup: Watts, Watt-Hours and Runtime Math for Any Use
- Best Jackery Power Station: Top Picks by Budget, Capacity and Use Case
- Can a Jackery power a whole house?
- Solar Panels vs Expansion Batteries: Which Upgrade Should You Add First?
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