How a Portable Battery Generator Kept My Entire Home Running for 4 Days During a Power Outage

When the storm rolled in, I knew the power would go. What I didn’t know was that our area would be without electricity for nearly four full days. No heating, no cooking appliances, no broadband, no hot water, and—most worryingly—no power for my dialysis machine and stair lift.

Thankfully, a few months earlier I had invested in a Portable Battery Generator available from A-Z Hire in Dublin. It’s a road-towable, high-capacity 37 kWh mobile battery power unit designed for home backup, construction sites, and anywhere silent, clean power is needed.

That single decision turned a stressful emergency into a manageable inconvenience.

Why I Needed Reliable Backup Power

Most people buy backup power for comfort—lights, heating, kettles, maybe a TV.
For me, it’s different.

I rely on:

  • A dialysis machine, which must run without interruption

  • A stair lift, essential for mobility

  • Starlink internet, which was now my only way to communicate with the outside world

During a prolonged blackout, these aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials.

Preparing for Long-Term Outage: Reducing the Load

Before switching to the battery generator, I made a simple rule:

If it wasn’t essential for survival or mobility, it was getting turned off.

That meant:

  • No electric shower

  • No oven or electric hob

  • No tumble dryer

  • No heated blankets

  • No always-on plugs or chargers

  • No background appliances like unnecessary lamps, second TVs, or gaming consoles

I unplugged everything, not just powered it down. Phantom loads add up quickly—especially when you’re trying to stretch battery capacity over several days.

This reduction is why the battery system lasted so long:
Not because the generator was oversized, but because the usage was smart.

What I Kept Running for 4 Days Straight

Even with everything unnecessary switched off, I still needed essential everyday comfort and safety.

1. Dialysis Machine

This was the number one priority.
It ran smoothly without a single interruption for the full four days.

2. Stair Lift

Complete reliability—no stutter, no delay, no cut-outs.

3. Starlink Satellite Internet

This was a lifesaver.
With the home Wi-Fi down, Starlink gave me:

  • Contact with friends and family

  • Entertainment

  • Daily news updates

  • Access to emergency alerts and weather warnings

Starlink draws power continuously, but surprisingly little when compared to heaters or large appliances.

4. Lighting & General Sockets

I kept a few LED lights running and occasionally charged phones and small devices. LED bulbs are extremely efficient—even over four days, they barely made a dent in the battery system.

The Power of a Portable Battery Generator

The technology behind these portable systems is impressive.
Silent, emission-free, easy to position on any driveway, and fully rechargeable with a standard EV charger, they solve a problem traditional diesel generators simply can’t: quiet, clean, controllable power for long periods.

Because there’s no engine:

  • No fumes

  • No noise

  • No fuel deliveries

  • No maintenance during the outage

And unlike a petrol generator, I didn’t have to worry about refuelling in the dark or storing dangerous liquids.

This system provided:

  • 37 kWh of stored energy

  • 7.5 kVA continuous output (10 kVA peak)

  • Enough to run a standard home for up to three to four days— in my reduced-load scenario

This matches the typical Irish household daily use of 7–12 kWh, and because I was careful, I stayed well within that threshold.

Managing Consumption Smartly

The key to making the battery last wasn’t magic—it was discipline.

1. Removed All Hidden Loads

Even turned-off devices draw small amounts of electricity, known as standby power or “vampire load.”

2. Avoided Heating Appliances

Electric showers, kettles, ovens, toasters, and immersion heaters can pull 2–9 kW each.
Using one for just 15 minutes can drain hours of stored battery power.
I was lucky enough to keep the fire lit during the outage

3. Used LED Lighting & Low-Power Devices

Small devices add up far less than people think.
Phones, routers, monitors, and low-wattage LED lamps consume only a fraction of what large appliances use.

How the Battery Performed

Over the four days:

  • The battery stayed within safe voltage ranges

  • The inverter never tripped

  • There were no power dips or disruptions to medical equipment

  • It remained silent the entire time

  • No fuel costs, no fumes, and no stress

When the power finally came back on, I simply plugged the Portable Battery Generator into my home EV charger and topped it back up to full capacity, ready for the next unexpected outage.

The peace of mind alone made the generator worth every cent.

Why Homeowners in Ireland Should Consider a Portable Battery Generator

From storms to grid faults, long outages are now more common in Ireland.
For many homes—particularly those with medical dependencies—a reliable backup is no longer optional.

A portable battery generator:

  • Provides instant emergency backup

  • Runs silently

  • Works indoors so can be stored in garages or outdoors

  • Powers medical equipment safely

  • Charges from solar or EV chargers

  • Requires zero fuel

  • Integrates with any house electrical system (via standard or automatic changeover switch)

Final Thoughts

The storm may have knocked out the power, but it didn’t knock out my home’s independence.

For four full days, the portable battery generator kept my dialysis machine, stair lift, lighting, and Starlink internet running without a single issue—all while operating silently.

I didn’t have to leave my home.
I didn’t have to refuel anything.
I didn’t have to worry about my medical equipment stopping.

All thanks to a reliable, high-capacity battery power system from A-Z Hire.

Key Takeaways

  • A typical Irish home uses 10–15 kWh per day—less when managed smartly

  • A 40 kWh portable battery can keep essential medical and mobility devices running for days

  • Reducing unnecessary loads massively extends battery life

  • Silent, clean power is ideal for long outages

  • A-Z Hire provides expert local support as Dublin’s trusted equipment specialist