Protect your home medical equipment with a backup battery
Learn how to keep your home medical equipment running during power outages with our guide to reliable battery backup solutions.
Protect your home medical equipment with a backup battery
Learn how to keep your home medical equipment running during power outages with our guide to reliable battery backup solutions.
When it comes to health and safety, uninterrupted power isn’t just convenient; it’s a necessity. If you rely on home medical equipment, even a short power outage can pose serious risks. That’s why having a reliable battery backup solution is essential.
Reliant is committed to helping our customers stay safe and prepared. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or caring for a loved one, this guide will walk you through what you need to know about backup battery systems for medical devices.
Not all medical equipment is created equal. Some devices need to run constantly, while others may require energy in shorter, more demanding bursts. Understanding more about the type of equipment you have can help you choose a backup battery system that’s both safe and effective.
Home medical equipment can range from life-sustaining machines to devices that support comfort and mobility. Some examples include:
These devices can vary widely in how much power they consume and how long they need to run during an outage. For example, a CPAP machine may use 30-60 watts,1 while an oxygen concentrator could require 300-600 watts or more.2
It’s important to check the wattage, voltage and runtime needs of each device. You can typically find this information on the device label or in the user manual, but reach out to your healthcare provider or equipment supplier if needed.
Once you know how much power your equipment needs, you can begin to explore the types of battery backup systems available to keep your medical devices running if the power goes out.
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are one of the most common solutions for short-term power backup. These systems provide immediate power during an outage, preventing any disruption to your devices. They’re ideal for equipment that has to remain on at all times, like oxygen concentrators or ventilators.
UPS systems come in various sizes and capacities. Some are designed for a single device, while others can support multiple pieces of equipment. Look for models with:
Standby power systems are better for longer outages, since they typically include a larger battery bank or are compatible with a home generator. While they might not switch on instantly like a UPS system, they can provide extended runtime and support multiple devices at once. Some systems are even designed to work with solar panels or other renewable energy sources, offering a sustainable backup power solution.
With so many options available, finding the right battery backup system can feel overwhelming. But by focusing on a few key factors, you can find a solution that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind.
The first step is to calculate the total wattage of the devices you need to power. Add up the wattage of each medical device you plan to connect to the backup system. Next, choose a system with a slightly higher capacity to ensure it can handle the power load comfortably.
For example, if your equipment totals 500 watts, look for a system rated for at least 600-700 watts to ensure that it operates safely.
Runtime refers to how long your backup system can power your devices during an outage. This depends on both the battery size and how much power your equipment needs. Some UPS systems offer 30-60 minutes of backup, while larger battery banks can last several hours, or even days if they’re powered by solar energy.
Ask yourself these questions:
Once you’ve chosen a battery system, proper installation and regular maintenance are key to ensuring it works when you need it most.
For complex systems or those supporting critical medical devices, professional installation is highly recommended. Certified electricians or backup power specialists can ensure proper grounding and surge protection, set up automatic power switchover features, and integrate your system with your home’s electrical panel if needed.
Like any emergency system, battery backups should be tested regularly. Set a reminder to check your battery levels monthly and run a full system test every 3 to 6 months. You should also replace the batteries in your system according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Even with the best equipment, having a preparation plan in place ensures you and your loved ones can respond quickly and safely during a power outage.
Create an emergency plan that includes:
Keep this plan in an easily accessible place and review it regularly.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) offers special protections for customers who rely on electrically powered medical equipment. Through the Critical Care Residential Customer designation, eligible households can receive priority consideration during power restoration and added safeguards against disconnection.
For more information or to apply, visit the PUCT website.
During an outage:
For longer outages, consider relocating to a facility with guaranteed power or using a portable generator as a secondary backup.
When it comes to home medical equipment, reliable power is essential, not optional. Whether you’re preparing for hurricane season, unexpected outages or everyday peace of mind, a battery backup system can help protect your health and safety.
Reliant is here to support you with dependable energy solutions that fit your lifestyle. From plans powered by solar energy to backup generators and everything in between, we’re committed to helping you stay powered, prepared and protected.
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A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) provides instant power during an outage, making it ideal for sensitive medical equipment that has to stay on continuously. A standby power system may take a few seconds to activate, but it typically offers longer runtime and can support multiple devices or even your whole home.
Yes, many portable power stations are compatible with medical devices, especially those with lower power requirements like CPAP machines. Just make sure the station provides the correct voltage and wattage, and always check with your device manufacturer for compatibility.
Absolutely. Surge protection helps prevent damage from voltage spikes, which can occur during storms or when power is restored after an outage. Many UPS systems include built-in surge protection, but you can also use standalone surge protectors for added safety.
It’s a good idea to test your system every 3 to 6 months. This includes checking battery levels, running a full system test, and ensuring all connected devices function properly during simulated outages.
Some smaller UPS units are plug-and-play and easy to set up on your own. However, for larger systems, especially those integrated with your home’s electrical panel or supporting multiple devices, professional installation is recommended for safety and reliability.
