Off Your Grid FAQ

Portable Power FAQ Ireland | EcoFlow, Bluetti & Anker | Off Your Grid

We’ve updated our Frequently Asked Questions for customers across Ireland and Northern Ireland. This guide includes clear answers on electrical basics, product details for EcoFlow, BLUETTI, and Anker SOLIX, and practical buying and usage tips.

Whether you need power for a home office, camper van, or off-grid setup, this page explains everything in plain English. You’ll find advice on setup, safety, solar charging, and warranty support, all tailored for Irish conditions.

1) Electrical basics (Ireland & UK)

What mains power do we use in Ireland and the UK?
Both use 230V AC at 50Hz (single-phase). In the UK and Ireland, wall sockets are Type G (3-pin) and are fused(typically 3A or 13A) in the plug.

What’s the difference between AC and DC?
• AC (alternating current) is what comes from wall sockets (230V/50Hz).
• DC (direct current) is what batteries and solar panels produce. Portable power stations store DC and use an inverter to create AC for your appliances.

What do watts, volts and amps mean?
• Watts (W) = power.
• Volts (V) = electrical “pressure.”
• Amps (A) = current.
Power (W) = Volts × Amps. On 230V mains, the 13A fuse in a Type-G plug equates to ~3,000W (limited by your device/power station rating).

How do I estimate runtime?
Use:
Runtime (hours) ≈ Usable Wh ÷ Load W.
For inverters, allow ~85–90% efficiency. Example: a 1,000Wh unit powering a 100W fridge ≈ (1000 × 0.9) ÷ 100 = 9 hours (continuous). Real-world runtimes vary with cycling loads and ambient temperatures.

What is surge power vs. running watts?
Many appliances need a brief surge (startup) higher than their running wattage (e.g., compressors, pumps). Choose a power station whose inverter output (and surge spec) comfortably exceeds your device’s startup demand.

What is “pure sine wave” and why does it matter?
A pure sine wave inverter produces AC power similar to the grid, which is ideal for sensitive electronics (laptops, audio gear, variable-speed motors). All the brands we stock use pure sine wave AC output on their main UK/IE models.

What is EcoFlow “X-Boost” / BLUETTI “Power Lifting”? Is it safe?
These features intelligently lower output voltage to let certain resistive loads (kettles, heaters, some tools) run even if their rated watts exceed the inverter’s continuous rating. They’re not recommended for sensitive electronics or appliances that require full, stable voltage (some motor/compressor devices may struggle). Use only when needed and prefer sizing the power station correctly instead.

Can I plug my portable power station into my home consumer unit?
Yes—but only via a proper change-over/transfer switch installed by a registered electrician. Never back-feed through a socket or “male-to-male” lead. A compliant change-over switch prevents any parallel connection with the grid and protects line workers. Irish installs must meet I.S. 10101; UK installs follow BS 7671.

Is a portable power station a true “UPS”?
Most units offer EPS/UPS-like backup with ~10–30ms switchover. That’s fine for many devices, but some desktops/servers may reboot. For mission-critical loads, use a dedicated UPS or confirm your device tolerance.

Which extension leads can I use?
Use high-quality Type G, 13A fused leads. Don’t exceed the lower of the power station’s AC rating or the 13A plug limit (~3kW). Avoid cheap reels when running high loads; keep cables uncoiled to prevent overheating.

2) Products we stock

EcoFlow (IE/UK models)
• AC outlets: Type-G 230V/50Hz.
• Battery chemistry: Newer ranges (e.g., RIVER 2, DELTA 2/3, DELTA 2 Max) use LiFePO₄ (LFP).
• Tech features: Fast AC charging, advanced MPPT, X-Boost, app control.
• Home integration: Transfer switch options.

BLUETTI
• AC outlets: Type-G on UK/IE versions.
• Battery chemistry: Broad use of LFP.
• Tech features: High-power inverters, Turbo AC charging on select models, Power Lifting, app/UPS features (as low as ~10–20ms on some models).

Anker SOLIX
• AC outlets: Type-G 230V/50Hz on IE/UK units.
• Battery chemistry: Newer portables use LiFePO₄ (LFP).
• Tech features: HyperFlash fast AC charging; SurgePad for resistive loads; high-watt USB-C PD (up to 100–140W on select models); app control with adjustable AC input and Quiet/Low-Noise Charge.
• Solar & I/O: XT60/XT60i solar input (MC4 via adapter), pass-through charging, multiple DC outputs (12V, USB-A/C); optional expansion battery on select models.

3) Using portable power stations

What can I run?
Add up the running watts and check any surge. A 600–800W station suits laptops/routers/lights/small TVs. 1.5–2.4kWcovers kettles, air fryers, tools (not all at once). Whole-room heaters or multiple heavy appliances usually need 4kW+solutions.

Can I run a fridge or store medicines using a portable power station?
Yes, but take these steps to avoid unexpected shut-offs:

AC Timeout: Some units turn the AC off when idle. For fridges/critical cooling, set AC timeout to “never” in the brand app (if available) and check battery regularly.
Capacity & Runtime: Make sure your power station has enough Wh for your fridge’s average watts over time (start surge is higher than running watts).
Medical Storage: For temperature-critical items (medicines, vaccines, perishables), use the timeout tip above and monitor temperature.
Life-support devices: These products are not intended for life-sustaining medical equipment (e.g., hospital-grade CPAP, ECMO).
Interference: Power stations generate EM fields that may affect implants (pacemakers, hearing aids, etc.). Check with your device manufacturer.

Fridges/freezers
Typical average 60–150W with higher startup surge. A 1kWh unit often covers 6–12 hours of cycling; add solar for multi-day outages.

Kettles/heat guns
Yes on larger units (many kettles are 2,000–3,000W). Mid-range units may run them with X-Boost/Power Lifting but more slowly; for frequent use choose sufficient continuous AC output.

Charging from vehicles
12V sockets are ~8–10A (slow). Dedicated alternator chargers are far faster while driving.

EV posts
Some higher-end EcoFlow units can accept AC from public posts with the right cable—check your model.

Pass-through power
Yes: on mains, loads draw from the wall while the battery charges; on outage, it switches to battery (see EPS notes).

4) Solar panels & charging

Third-party panels
Usually fine via MC4 if your array stays within the unit’s PV voltage/current/watt limits.

Series vs. parallel
Series raises voltage (respect Voc in cold weather). Parallel raises current (respect amp limits). Shading one panel in a series string reduces output.

What’s MPPT?
The controller finds the maximum power point automatically. Keep panels angled well and avoid shade.

Water resistance
Most branded portables are IP67 (rain/splash). Dry before storage; don’t immerse connectors.

5) Home backup & safety (Ireland/UK)

Connecting to your home
Use a change-over/transfer switch installed by a registered electrician (I.S. 10101 / BS 7671 compliant). Never back-feed via a socket.

Earthing/RCDs
Your electrician will assess earthing and protective devices. Don’t bypass safety devices.

6) Warranty & after-sales

We’re your first point of contact. If you bought from Off Your Grid, our Irish-based team manages your case end-to-end. We liaise with the manufacturer on every fault and query to get the quickest, most accurate outcome and keep your warranty compliant. One point of contact throughout. Your statutory rights are unaffected.

How we handle your case

Quick diagnostics (we may ask for photos/video or app/firmware details).
We open and manage the case with the manufacturer on your behalf.
Courier collection/return arranged if required.
Repair or replacement coordinated, with regular updates.

What we need from you

Order number and proof of purchase
Product serial number (if available)
Short description of the issue (photos/video help)
App / firmware version (if relevant)

Brand coverage (summary)

EcoFlow: Newer LFP lines (e.g., RIVER 2, DELTA 2 / 2 Max / 3) typically up to 5 years; others 2–5 years(model-dependent). Service handled in the region of purchase. Registration is optional but recommended(register via EcoFlow App → Warranty Registration or EU Product Warranty page). Some models gain extra months when registered (e.g., DELTA Pro +24, DELTA Max +12, GLACIER +12). Accessories like cables/chargers are usually not registrable.
BLUETTI: Portable power stations: 24–72 months (model-dependent). Home backup systems: 48–60 months. Solar & accessories: 12 months. Registration optional; some models offer extended warranty when registered.
Anker SOLIX: LFP portables up to 5 years (model-dependent); non-LFP often shorter. No activation needed: cover starts on the purchase date via authorised resellers. Keep your receipt. Warranties are generally tied to the country/region of purchase.

Tip: Warranty terms vary by model and may change. Always check the product page at the time of purchase.

7) Orders, VAT, shipping (Ireland & NI)

Are your prices VAT-inclusive?
Yes—Irish orders include 23% VAT unless otherwise stated (business customers can enter VAT details at checkout).

Do you ship nationwide in Ireland?
Yes—nationwide delivery from Co. Kildare. Some oversized items/rigid panels may incur a special shipping surcharge or allow local pick up only.

Do you deliver to Northern Ireland?
Yes—NI follows EU VAT rules for goods under the NI Protocol. We’ll apply the correct VAT and provide the necessary documentation.

Collections?
Subject to stock, next-day collection/dispatch is often possible from our Kildare base.

8) Brand-specific FAQs

EcoFlow
• X-Boost — when to use: Only for resistive loads (kettles, heaters, simple tools) that briefly exceed the inverter’s continuous rating. Avoid for sensitive electronics and compressors.
• Quiet charging: In the EcoFlow App, enable Quiet Charging to reduce fan noise (charging will be slower).
• Battery care: For daily cycling, set a charge limit (≈80–90%) to reduce wear; top to 100% before outages/trips.
• Vehicle charging: 12V sockets are slow (~8–10A). EcoFlow’s Alternator Charger (where supported) gives much faster in-drive charging.
• Cold weather: Avoid charging below 0 °C. If available, enable battery pre-heating.

BLUETTI
• Turbo AC input: Great for fast top-ups; set the AC input limit in the app to suit your socket/circuit and noise level.
• Power Lifting: BLUETTI’s version of X-Boost for resistive loads; avoid for sensitive electronics or compressors.
• Solar wiring: Use MC4; keep within Voc/amp/watt limits. Series raises voltage (watch cold-day Voc); parallel raises current (use rated branch connectors).
• UPS/ECO modes: Choose behaviour that keeps a PC/NAS riding through short cuts while minimising idle draw.
• Prefer DC: Routers, LED lights and some fridges run more efficiently from DC outputs than via the AC inverter.

Anker SOLIX
• HyperFlash fast AC: Very quick refills on supported models; lower AC input in the app for quieter or gentler charging.
• SurgePad: Helps certain resistive loads start/run above the continuous rating; avoid for delicate electronics or compressor tools.
• High-watt USB-C: Many SOLIX units offer 100–140W USB-C PD—power laptops/cameras via USB-C to avoid inverter losses.
• Connectors & cables: Typically XT60/XT60i (MC4 via adapter). Match panel voltage/current/watts to the PV window; use quality adapters/cables.
• Quiet mode & pass-through: Enable Quiet/Low-Noise Charge for night use. Pass-through lets mains power the load while the battery charges; on outage it switches to battery.

9) Practical buying guide

Camping/vanlife & laptops/photography:300–800W inverter, 256–768Wh battery, 100–220W portable solar.
• Home/office backup (routers, lights, fridge): 1–2kW inverter, 1–2kWh battery, 200–400W solar.
• Kettles/air fryers/tools: 2–2.4kW+ inverter, 2–4kWh battery, 400–800W solar.
• Whole-home circuits & longer outages: 4kW+ inverter, expandable batteries, transfer switch, 1–2kW+ solar + generator.

10) Safety & compliance reminders

Use certified cables and accessories.
• Install transfer equipment only via a registered electrician.
• Keep ventilation clear; don’t operate in enclosed, hot spaces.
• Follow each product’s user manual.
• Recycle batteries/electricals responsibly (WEEE).

11) Need tailored advice?

Tell us what you want to power (devices & wattage) and how long you need it to run. We’ll recommend the right system for Ireland/Northern Ireland and help with compliant home integration.

Portable Power FAQ Ireland | EcoFlow, Bluetti & Anker | Off Your Grid

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