The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage.

The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage.

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      The "blackout" backup: essential smart home survival gear

      The "blackout" backup isn't about preparing for an apocalypse; it's about turning a power outage on a Tuesday night into a minor inconvenience rather than a catastrophe. The objective is to create a setup that keeps your Wi-Fi operational, your laptop charged, and your refrigerator cool without needing to drag a gas generator out of the garage in the rain.

      Here’s the hardware configuration to establish a modern, silent, and dependable energy safety net.

      The power supply

      Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2

      Image used with permission from the copyright holder

      Older power stations tended to be bulky and required hours to recharge. The Anker SOLIX C1000 changes that. It charges from 0-100% in just 58 minutes using a wall outlet, allowing you to quickly recharge it if a storm is on the way. It provides 2400W of AC output, sufficient to power a full-sized refrigerator, a CPAP machine, or even a microwave. Best of all, it utilizes LFP (LiFePO4) batteries that last for over 3,000 cycles, enabling daily use for 10 years without battery degradation. Currently, it is available at a 52% discount, bringing the price down to $617.99.

      EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3

      Image used with permission from the copyright holder

      If you have a home and aim to back up everything, this is the unit for you. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is a 4kWh powerhouse that can be expanded to 48kWh. It outputs 120V/240V natively, making it capable of powering high-voltage appliances like your dryer or well pump. It is designed with wheels for easy movement due to its weight, and it is the closest option to a Tesla Powerwall available in stores. It is currently priced at $1,999.00, which is 46% off the retail price.

      The brain

      EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2

      Image used with permission from the copyright holder

      While plug-in power stations are useful, extension cords can create a mess. The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2 serves as a replacement for your manual transfer switch. It connects your portable power station (like the DELTA Pro) directly to your home's breaker box. When the grid goes down, it automatically shifts to battery power in 20ms—quick enough that your clocks won’t reset. It also allows you to monitor your energy consumption circuit-by-circuit through an app.

      Connectivity backup

      Eaton 3S Mini UPS

      Image used with permission from the copyright holder

      While your larger battery will power your fridge, you don't want to squander its energy on your router. The Eaton 3S Mini UPS is a compact, silent battery backup specifically designed for low-power network devices. It replaces your router’s wall adapter. During a power outage, it keeps your internet equipment running for up to 5 hours, ensuring your smart home stays online without any manual intervention.

      The bottom line

      For most apartment dwellers or those in need of a “grab-and-go” solution, the Anker SOLIX C1000 is the best choice due to its higher power output and current 52% discount. However, for those looking to establish a permanent home backup system, starting with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and planning to add the Smart Home Panel later is advisable.

      I'm a writer, entrepreneur, and powerlifting coach. I’ve been assembling computers and tinkering with PC components since I was a…

      Stop overcrowding your fridge: this French door LG is now reduced by $1,400

      This LG Counter-Depth MAX fridge is priced at $1,799.99, offering a rare discount on a premium kitchen centerpiece.

      Purchasing a new refrigerator might not seem "fun," but it's one of those upgrades you feel every day. Improved organization, increased usable space, and fewer occasions of cramming leftovers into every available spot make a difference. The LG Counter-Depth MAX French door smart refrigerator is now $1,799.99, which is $1,400 off its original price of $3,199.99. That’s a significant markdown, and for a counter-depth model with this much capacity, it’s an offer that can justify upgrading to something nicer.

      A 2K video doorbell for $59.99 is an effortless home enhancement that pays off quickly.

      Arlo’s 2nd-generation smart doorbell is down by $70, making it an easy choice for improved front-door security.

      Installing a video doorbell is an upgrade you often forget about once it’s in place, which is the point. You gain a clearer view of visitors, better awareness of package deliveries, and fewer moments of wondering if someone

The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage. The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage. The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage. The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage. The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage. The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage. The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage. The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage.

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The blackout kit: Four tools to maintain your Wi-Fi and refrigerator during an outage.

The “blackout” backup isn’t designed for surviving an apocalyptic event; rather, it aims to turn a Tuesday night power outage from a disaster into an inconvenience. The objective is to create a setup that maintains your Wi-Fi connection, keeps your laptop powered, and ensures your fridge stays cold, all without the need to haul a gas generator out of the garage in the rain. Here is the […]