"Whole-house backup" is a phrase that hides a big decision. Running every circuit in an all-electric home for days takes a lot of energy and power. Backing up the circuits you can't live without is far more achievable, and it is exactly what the new 4 kWh, 240V power stations are designed for. This guide is based on manufacturer specs and public reviews; for your actual installation, a licensed electrician has the final word.
Two ways to back up a house
Installed home batteries sit on a wall, are wired into your main panel by an installer, often pair with rooftop solar, and switch over automatically. They are permanent, permitted and typically warrantied as part of an installation.
Portable power stations with a home connection are batteries on wheels. You connect them to selected circuits through a transfer switch, an inlet box or a manufacturer home panel. They can be unplugged and used elsewhere, and you can start small and add expansion batteries.
If you want everything to keep running without lifting a finger, get installer quotes for a home battery. If you want critical circuits covered with gear you own and can move, a 240V power station plus a professionally installed transfer solution is the flexible route.
The 240V stations compared
| Model | Capacity | Output | Solar in | Voltage | UPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 | 4,096 Wh | 4,000 W | 2,600 W | 120V / 240V | < 10 ms |
| Anker SOLIX F3800 | 3,840 Wh | 6,000 W | 2,400 W | 120V / 240V | 20 ms (UPS outlets) |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus | 2,042 Wh | 3,000 W | check | 120V (240V by pairing two units) | See spec sheet |
"check" = not confirmed on the sources we used; verify on the manufacturer page before buying.
Best portable core
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3
Best for: Whole-home circuits, 240V loads, long outages
| Capacity | 4,096 Wh |
|---|---|
| AC output | 4,000 W (surge 8,000 W) |
| Solar input | 2,600 W |
| Voltage | 120V / 240V |
| UPS switchover | < 10 ms |
| Weight | 113.5 lb (51.5 kg) |
| Cycle life | 4,000 to 80% |
| Chemistry | LFP |
| Outlets | NEMA 5-20R, TT-30, L14-30, 6-20 |
| Parallel | Up to 3 units, 12,000 W combined (per retailer spec) |
Strengths
- 240V output for well pumps and dryers without a second unit
- Very short listed UPS transfer (< 10 ms)
- 2,600 W combined solar input across two PV ports
Watch-outs
- 113.5 lb: it rolls, it is not carried
- Whole-home use needs a transfer switch or Smart Home Panel 2 installed by an electrician
Specs: manufacturer / retailer spec sheets (source 1). Prices change daily, so we do not print them.
EcoFlow pairs the DELTA Pro 3 with its Smart Home Panel 2 (listed at 20 ms switchover on the retailer spec), which an electrician installs next to your main panel. Up to three units can be linked for more output per the retailer listing.
Most output
Anker SOLIX F3800
Best for: High-power 240V backup, RV hookups, big expansion
| Capacity | 3,840 Wh |
|---|---|
| AC output | 6,000 W |
| Solar input | 2,400 W |
| Voltage | 120V / 240V |
| UPS switchover | 20 ms (UPS outlets) |
| Weight | See spec sheet (F3800 Plus: 136.7 lb) |
| Cycle life | 3,000+ |
| Chemistry | LFP |
| Outlets | NEMA 5-20R x6, TT-30R, L14-30R |
| Expansion | Up to 6 expansion batteries of 3.84 kWh |
| Warranty | 5 years (Anker page) |
| F3800 Plus | 3,200 W solar input (2 x 1,600 W) |
Strengths
- Highest continuous AC output here: 6,000 W
- TT-30R and L14-30R on the unit
- 5-year warranty listed by Anker
Watch-outs
- 20 ms switchover: fine for most appliances, may reboot sensitive electronics
- Heaviest unit in our shortlist
Specs: manufacturer / retailer spec sheets (source 1 · source 2). Prices change daily, so we do not print them.
The F3800's 6,000 W continuous rating is the headline for whole-house use: a well pump starting while the fridge runs is less likely to trip it. Anker sells a home power panel for integration; check compatibility with your version (F3800 or F3800 Plus).
Modular, start smaller
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus
Best for: Expandable mid-size home backup
| Capacity | 2,042 Wh |
|---|---|
| AC output | 3,000 W |
| Voltage | 120V (240V by pairing two units) |
| UPS switchover | See spec sheet |
| Weight | See spec sheet |
| Cycle life | See spec sheet |
| Chemistry | LFP |
| Expansion | 2 to 24 kWh with battery packs (retailer listing) |
Strengths
- 3,000 W continuous in a mid-size unit
- Modular: grows from 2 kWh up to 24 kWh
Watch-outs
- 240V requires two units linked
- Several specs need checking on Jackery's current sheet before you buy
Specs: manufacturer / retailer spec sheets (source 1 · source 2). Prices change daily, so we do not print them.
Sizing critical circuits
Write down the circuits you would truly miss. A typical critical list: kitchen fridge, freezer, internet, a few lighting circuits, the furnace blower (gas heating needs electricity too), a sump or well pump, and one outlet for medical or work equipment. Then estimate daily energy:
That fits one 4 kWh station plus one expansion battery for a day, or a single station with daytime solar. All-electric heating or cooking changes the maths dramatically.
How the connection works (and who does it)
There are three common approaches: a manual transfer switch for a set of circuits, a power inlet box with an interlock on the main panel, or a manufacturer smart panel. All three modify your home wiring, and in most jurisdictions require a licensed electrician and sometimes a permit. We explain the differences in our transfer switch guide.
Transfer switches, power inlets, sub-panels and hard-wired batteries change your home's wiring. In most places this legally requires a licensed electrician and sometimes a permit and utility notification. This page explains the options so you can talk to an electrician, it is not installation instructions.
FAQ
What size battery do I need to back up a whole house?
Look at your utility bill: daily use in kWh is the ceiling. Many homes use well over 20 kWh a day, but backing up only critical circuits (fridge, freezer, lights, internet, furnace fan, well pump) often needs a fraction of that. Size for critical loads first.
Can I plug a power station into a wall outlet to power the house?
No. Backfeeding through an outlet with a double-male cord is dangerous and illegal in most places: it can energise utility lines and injure line workers, and it bypasses your panel's protection. Use a transfer switch or manufacturer home panel installed by a licensed electrician.
Is a portable station cheaper than a Powerwall-type battery?
Per kWh, the comparison depends on current prices and incentives, which change often. Portable stations win on flexibility (no permanent install, you can take them with you); installed batteries win on seamless whole-home integration and higher continuous power. Get installer quotes to compare.
Will a 4 kWh station run central air conditioning?
Rarely for long. Central AC can draw several kilowatts with a high starting surge. Even if the station can start it, a 4 kWh battery would be drained quickly. Prioritise fans, a window unit or a single mini-split instead.