Global Universal! Ultimate Guide to Choosing Outdoor Power Supplies: How to Evaluate Capacity, Charging Speed, and Safety Certifications?
I. Capacity Parameters: Understand Wh and mAh to Avoid “False Labeling Traps”
Core Difference: Wh (Watt-hour) is an energy unit that directly reflects the actual power supply capacity of an outdoor power supply; mAh (milliampere-hour) is a charge unit, and the actual capacity can only be calculated by combining it with voltage. Tests show that for outdoor power supplies with the same mAh value, the Wh value of the one with a voltage of 3.7V is only 1/4 of that with a voltage of 14.8V, resulting in a significant difference in power supply time.
Selection Tips: Prioritize products labeled with Wh, and they must comply with global transportation standards (e.g., civil aviation regulations stipulate that those within 100Wh can be carried on board, and those between 100-160Wh require declaration). Take the camping scenario as an example: a mobile phone (with a battery capacity of 5000mAh and a voltage of 3.7V, approximately 18.5Wh) consumes about 20Wh of power to be fully charged. If an outdoor power supply is labeled 200Wh, it can theoretically fully charge the mobile phone about 8 times (conversion losses need to be deducted).
Avoid False Labeling: Choose brands that support third-party testing. Tests show that the error between the actual discharge capacity and the labeled Wh value of high-quality outdoor power supplies is usually within 5%, while the error of inferior products may exceed 30%.
II. Charging Speed: PD and GaN Technologies to Meet Different Device Needs
PD Fast Charging Technology: PD (USB Power Delivery) is a globally universal fast charging protocol that supports multi-device compatibility. Tests indicate that an outdoor power supply supporting the PD 3.0 protocol can charge a laptop (requiring 65W power supply) in more than 60% less time compared to the ordinary 5V/2A charging method, making it suitable for outdoor office scenarios.
Advantages of GaN Technology: When a charger made of GaN (Gallium Nitride) is used with an outdoor power supply, its volume is 40% smaller and weight is 30% lighter than traditional silicon-based chargers, with better heat dissipation performance. In high-temperature outdoor environments in summer, the temperature of a GaN charger is 15-20℃ lower than that of a traditional charger, reducing safety hazards.
Adaptation Scenarios: When camping, if you need to charge a mobile phone, tablet, and low-power projector at the same time, it is recommended to choose an outdoor power supply that supports both PD and GaN technologies. Its multi-interface design can meet the simultaneous fast charging of multiple devices without reducing charging speed due to power distribution.
UL Certification: A mainstream certification standard in the United States, which has strict requirements for overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and temperature control of outdoor power supplies. Tests show that an outdoor power supply that has passed UL certification will automatically cut off power within 0.5 seconds when continuously overloaded by 120%, while uncertified products may experience shell melting.
CE Certification: A mandatory certification in the European Union, covering electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety performance. An outdoor power supply that meets CE certification will not cause electromagnetic interference to surrounding electronic devices (such as cameras and drones) when used in European countries, ensuring the normal operation of the devices.
IEC Certification: A standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which is a basic certification recognized by most countries around the world. Outdoor power supplies that have passed IEC certification perform better in terms of battery cycle life. Tests show that after 1000 charge-discharge cycles, their capacity retention rate is still above 80%, while that of uncertified products may drop to below 50%.
IV. Scenario-Based Selection Recommendations
Camping Scenario: Choose an outdoor power supply with a capacity of 500-1000Wh that supports PD fast charging. When paired with a GaN charger, it can meet the power supply needs of mobile phones, lighting equipment, and low-power cooking utensils (such as a 100W electric cooking pot) for 3-5 people during camping, and also complies with the transportation standards of most countries.
Emergency Scenario: Prioritize an outdoor power supply with a capacity of over 1000Wh that has passed both UL and CE certifications. Its large capacity can support a refrigerator (100W) to work continuously for 8-10 hours, and it also has an emergency lighting function to ensure basic living needs during power outages.
Global Use: Confirm that the outdoor power supply supports wide voltage input (100-240V) to adapt to the power grid standards of different countries, avoiding device damage caused by voltage mismatch. At the same time, choose products with a variety of plug accessories to meet the needs of sockets in different regions around the world.
