Glossary
Portable Power & Generator Glossary
Confused by watts, watt-hours, inverter generators or LiFePO4 batteries? Our simple UK portable power glossary explains the most common terms used when choosing a portable power station, generator, solar panel or battery system.
A
AC – Alternating Current
The type of electricity normally supplied by UK household sockets. Portable power stations use an inverter to convert battery DC power into AC power for compatible appliances.
Amp (A)
A measurement of electrical current. The amp rating indicates how much electrical current can flow through a circuit or device.
B
Battery Capacity
The amount of energy a battery can store. Portable power stations normally display capacity in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Battery Management System (BMS)
An electronic system that monitors and protects a rechargeable battery. A BMS can help manage charging, temperature, voltage and other battery safety functions.
C
Continuous Power
The amount of electrical power a generator or portable power station can provide continuously under its specified operating conditions.
When choosing a power station, compare the continuous output with the running wattage of the equipment you want to operate.
Cycle Life
The number of charge and discharge cycles a rechargeable battery is designed to withstand before its available capacity reduces to a specified level.
Actual battery life depends on factors such as usage, temperature, charging habits and storage conditions.
D
DC – Direct Current
Electrical current that flows in one direction. Batteries produce DC electricity. Portable power stations may provide DC outputs for compatible equipment or convert DC battery power into AC using an inverter.
Depth of Discharge (DoD)
The percentage of a battery's available capacity that has been used. Manufacturers may specify a recommended depth of discharge to help maximise battery life.
E
Efficiency
The amount of useful energy delivered compared with the energy used or stored. Some energy is lost during processes such as charging and converting DC battery power into AC electricity.
G
Generator
A device that produces electrical power. Generators may use petrol, diesel or other fuels, while battery-powered systems store electricity rather than generating it from fuel.
Ground / Earth
An electrical safety connection that can help protect against electric shock and electrical faults. Generator earthing requirements vary by product and installation, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
H
Hertz (Hz)
A measurement of electrical frequency. UK mains electricity operates at 50Hz.
I
Inverter
An electronic device that converts DC electricity from a battery into AC electricity suitable for compatible appliances and electrical equipment.
Inverter Generator
A fuel-powered generator that uses an inverter system to produce AC electricity. Inverter generators are commonly designed to provide stable power and can offer advantages in efficiency, noise and portability compared with some conventional generator designs.
K
Kilowatt (kW)
One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. Generator and larger power-system outputs may be shown in kW.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A unit of stored or consumed energy equal to 1,000 watt-hours.
For example, a 2kWh battery has a nominal stored energy capacity of approximately 2,000Wh.
L
LiFePO4 – Lithium Iron Phosphate
A lithium battery chemistry widely used in modern portable power stations. LiFePO4 batteries are known for their durability, stability and potentially long cycle life.
Lithium-ion
A family of rechargeable battery technologies widely used in portable power stations because of their high energy density and relatively low weight.
M
MPPT – Maximum Power Point Tracking
Technology used by many solar charging systems to optimise the power obtained from solar panels as sunlight and operating conditions change.
P
Peak Power
See Surge Power.
Portable Power Station
A rechargeable battery-powered unit that stores electrical energy and provides power through AC, DC and/or USB outputs.
Depending on the model, a portable power station may be rechargeable from a UK mains socket, solar panels, a vehicle or another compatible power source.
Pure Sine Wave
A type of AC electrical output designed to closely replicate mains electricity.
Pure sine wave inverters are widely used where stable AC power is required, including with many electronic devices and appliances. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for compatibility.
R
Rated Output
The maximum continuous power a generator or portable power station is designed to supply under its specified conditions.
Runtime
The estimated length of time a portable power station or generator can operate a particular load.
Actual runtime depends on factors including the connected equipment, power consumption, battery capacity, inverter efficiency, temperature and operating conditions.
S
Solar Charging
The process of recharging a compatible portable power station or battery system using solar panels.
Actual solar charging performance depends on sunlight, weather, panel orientation, shading, temperature and the specifications of the equipment.
Solar Generator
A commonly used term for a portable power station combined with solar panels.
Unlike a conventional petrol or diesel generator, a solar generator stores electricity in a rechargeable battery rather than producing electricity from fuel.
Surge Power
The additional power a generator or portable power station can provide for a short period.
This is particularly important for appliances containing motors, compressors, pumps or other equipment that can require significantly more power when starting.
U
USB-A
A common USB connection used for charging compatible electronic devices.
USB-C
A modern USB connection that can support charging, data transfer and, on compatible equipment, higher-power charging.
UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply
A feature available on some portable power stations that can provide backup power to connected equipment when mains electricity is interrupted.
UPS performance varies between models, so always check the manufacturer's specifications.
V
Volt (V)
A measurement of electrical voltage.
UK domestic electrical equipment commonly operates from a 230V AC, 50Hz supply, although individual products and systems can have different voltage requirements.
Always check that your equipment is compatible with the output voltage of a generator or portable power station.
W
Watt (W)
A unit of electrical power.
Watts indicate how much power an appliance or electrical device uses or how much power a generator or portable power station can supply.
For example, a 500W appliance requires approximately 500 watts while operating at that load.
Watt-hour (Wh)
A unit of energy commonly used to describe portable power station battery capacity.
For example, a 1,000Wh power station has a nominal battery capacity of approximately 1,000 watt-hours.
Actual usable energy will normally be lower because of conversion losses and other operating factors.
Wattage
The amount of electrical power being consumed or supplied by a device.
When selecting a portable power station, compare the total wattage of the equipment you want to run with the station's continuous output and surge capability.
The Simple Way to Understand Portable Power
The three most important figures to understand are:
W (Watts) = How much power your equipment needs.
Wh (Watt-hours) = How much energy the battery stores.
Surge/Peak W = Extra short-term power available for starting certain equipment.
For example, an appliance requiring 500W needs a power source capable of supplying at least 500W continuously.
A power station with a larger Wh capacity will generally be capable of operating equipment for longer, assuming the same load and comparable operating conditions.
For help working out what size generator or portable power station you may need, use our Generator & Portable Power Station Calculator.
UK Generator & Portable Power Safety
Portable Power Hub recommends that customers always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before using any generator, portable power station, battery or electrical equipment.
Never exceed the manufacturer's stated continuous or surge power ratings.
Petrol and other fuel-powered generators must never be operated indoors or in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Carbon monoxide produced by petrol-powered equipment can build up to dangerous and potentially fatal levels. (HSE)
Always ensure that electrical equipment is suitable for the intended application and environment and follow the manufacturer's requirements for connection, earthing, ventilation, charging, storage and maintenance. (HSE)
Product specifications and terminology can vary between manufacturers and models. Always use the manufacturer's published specifications as the final reference for a particular product.
Portable Power Hub
Portable Power Hub provides portable power stations, generators, solar charging solutions and related products for customers across the UK.
Whether you're looking for backup power at home, camping power, off-grid energy, caravan power, emergency power or portable power for work and leisure, understanding the key specifications can help you choose the right solution.