Outage planning guides

Apartment Power Outage Backup

Apartment backup planning is usually battery-first because fuel generators are unsafe indoors and often prohibited by lease or building rules.

Use this guide for renters or condo residents who need a compact outage plan for essential electronics and basic comfort.

Suggested loads

Load	Watts	Priority	Note
Phones and tablets	5-30 watts	critical	USB power banks and a power station can keep communication devices available.
LED lamp or lantern	3-20 watts	critical	Dedicated battery lanterns reduce demand on the main backup system.
Router and modem	15-40 watts	useful	Internet may still fail if building or provider equipment loses power.
Laptop	30-90 watts	useful	Charge during planned windows and use low-power settings.
Mini fridge	60-150 running watts	optional	Only include it if the battery has enough capacity for cycling and surge.

Duration: 24 hours
Estimated energy: 500-1,500 Wh for phones, lights, router, laptop charging, and small extras
Battery note: A compact power station plus USB battery banks is usually the most practical apartment backup setup.
Generator note: Fuel generators should not be operated indoors, on enclosed balconies, or near windows; many apartments have no safe generator location.
Solar note: Window or balcony solar output is often limited by shade, rules, and orientation, so use it as supplemental charging only.

Do not use charcoal grills, camp stoves, or fuel generators indoors.
Follow apartment, condo, and local fire rules for batteries and charging.
This is a planning guide and does not override building management instructions.

For most apartments, a power station, USB power banks, and battery lights are more practical than fuel-powered equipment.

Possibly, but refrigerator startup surge and cycling energy can be substantial. Many apartment plans focus on electronics and lighting first.