Power Station Runtime Calculator for Home Internet Routers & Modems
During a power outage, staying connected to the world is often more important than keeping the lights on. Because internet hardware uses very little power, a small battery backup can keep your Wi-Fi running for days—if you know the math. This guide provides a plug-and-play runtime calculator for your home network.
How Many Hours of Wi-Fi Will You Get?
Most modern router/modem combos draw between **10W and 20W**. Higher-end “Mesh” systems like Eero or Orbi pull slightly more due to multiple radios. Here is how common power station sizes translate to internet uptime:
| Battery Size (Wh) | Runtime (10W Load) | Runtime (20W Load) |
|---|---|---|
| 250Wh (Mini) | ~21 Hours | ~10 Hours |
| 500Wh (Mid) | ~42 Hours | ~21 Hours |
| 1000Wh (Large) | ~85 Hours | ~42 Hours |
*Calculations include a 15% efficiency deduction for the inverter.
The “Always-On” Formula
To calculate your exact uptime: (Station Watt-Hours × 0.85) / Total Router Watts = Uptime Hours. Check the sticker on your router’s power brick for the “Output” (e.g., 12V 2A = 24W peak draw).
Why You Should Skip the Wall Plug
If you plug your router into the AC outlet, the battery wastes energy converting DC to AC, and your router’s brick converts it right back to DC. This is incredibly inefficient for a tiny 10W load.
The Fix: Use a 12V DC “Magic Cable.” Most routers run on 12V. By using a DC barrel cable directly into the power station’s 12V port, you can increase your runtime by **30-40%**.
3 Steps for Emergency Internet
- 1️⃣ Find the Wattage: Add up the watts for both your modem and your router. (Usually 15W total).
- 2️⃣ Use UPS Mode: Plug your station into the wall and your router into the station. Modern units (EcoFlow, Anker) have “pass-through” that switches to battery instantly when the grid fails.
- 3️⃣ Dim the Lights: If your station has an LCD screen, set it to “Auto-Off” to save that extra 2-3W of internal drain.
