Advice please

[rolandvoostveen]

Hey guys

I need a backup power source to make sure I can continue working during loadshedding. I only need a small setup for 2 laptops and the WiFi router, approximately 200w all together.

I'd like a PPS with around 500wh but ideally I'd like one that I can keep connected to the grid and that functions like a UPS i.e automatically kicks in when power goes off and doesn't use the batteries when the power is on.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Confucius]

A trolley type with lithium batteries is the simplest solution. Yes, there’s the ecoflow and Bluetti that look great and is portable but comes at a premium and when it breaks, you have to replace the whole thing. With a trolley, your batteries will still be easily usable.

Whatever you get, I suggest to also something like this to protect the ups.

Clearline Loadshedding Refrigeration Lightning & Surge Protector - 5 mins available to buy online at @TAKEALOT We offer fast, reliable delivery to your door.

Takealot

 

[souljazk]

I'd split the setup - 1x baby UPS for the router and then a suitable unit for the laptops.

I use this for my router, had it about 6months and so far so good! Takealot

It comes with a 'Y' splitter, which I made into a 'W' splitter (CPE, ISP router, Mikrotik router as an AP) and it's never died , but I've not had more then 4h loadhshedding.

 

[rolandvoostveen]

I'd split the setup - 1x baby UPS for the router and then a suitable unit for the laptops.

I use this for my router, had it about 6months and so far so good! Takealot

It comes with a 'Y' splitter, which I made into a 'W' splitter (CPE, ISP router, Mikrotik router as an AP) and it's never died , but I've not had more then 4h loadhshedding.

Thanks man, what setup do you use for laptops? After doing some research it's my understanding that most of the portable power stations are made to only charge and then be used during loadshedding, I'm looking for one that I can keep plugged in at all times and that would bypass the batteries if there isn't any loadshedding.

 

[jtomcat16]

Bluetti eb3a does pass-through power (when plugged into the wall) so it doesn't use battery while powering the AC port if there is eskom power.
256Wh battery is fairly small, so for 200W load it will only give you just over 1 hour

BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station - 600W / 268Wh / Pure Sine Wave (SA Socket)

600W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (1,200W surge) 268Wh Capacity 430W Max. Fast Dual Charging (Solar+AC) LiFePO4 Battery with 2,500+ Life Cycles to 80% 6 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car/Generator/AC+Solar/AC+Adapter) 8 Outputs for Charging Multiple Devices at once Smart Control & Monitor in BLUETTI...

www.geewiz.co.za

Something like this inverter trolley will also do the job, but is less portable
Also doesnt use battery when plugged into eskom power
1280Wh battery so +-6 hours on a 200W load

Geewiz 1000VA PURE SINE Inverter Trolley + 1x 100AH LITHIUM Battery (6 HOUR BATTERY LIFE) KIT - 600W With LITHIUM Battery (3000 Cycles) - 1280Wh

GeeWiz PURE SINE 1000VA, 600W, 12V DC-AC Inverter SIMILAR to INTELLIPOWER 2 or TESCOM 1000VA UNIT Includes 1x 100Ah Battery + Battery Case All cabling included Unit dimensions(l,w,h): 42.5 x 24.5 x 45 cm PLEASE NOTE: The 6-hour battery life is based on a 150W consumption. Typically a TV, lamp...

www.geewiz.co.za

 

[souljazk]

Thanks man, what setup do you use for laptops? After doing some research it's my understanding that most of the portable power stations are made to only charge and then be used during loadshedding, I'm looking for one that I can keep plugged in at all times and that would bypass the batteries if there isn't any loadshedding.

I have enough laptop battery to see me about 6-8h, so no need for a solution for it yet. Also, its cheaper and more benficial to my type fo work to have a 2nd or 3rd laptop anyway, which I have.

When I do need a solution, it will probably be something portable, that can also act as a UPS, like the Bluettimentioned above can do.

 

[rolandvoostveen]

Thank you guys for the help!

Going to opt for one of the trolleys, it's got more than I need but you never know when someone's going to steal some cables in your neighborhood.

Hope you all have a great day