Will a home battery keep everything on in a blackout?

Not usually. Most systems are wired to essential circuits (fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, garage) so runtime is longer and costs are lower. Whole-home backup needs a larger battery and inverter.

How fast does backup switch over?

Good systems transfer in under a second, so essentials stay on. Ask installers to specify transfer time and which circuits are backed up.

Which loads should I avoid during an outage?

High-power loads such as ducted air-con, electric hot water, and ovens drain batteries quickly. Prioritise essentials and stagger usage.

⚡︎ Blackouts? Stay Powered with a Home Battery | Blackout Battery Backup

HH L
Sep 8
2 min read

Updated: Sep 14

See how backup mode works, which circuits matter, and what to avoid.

Diagram showing battery, inverter, and auto switch during a blackout
Essential circuits list: fridge, lights, Wi-Fi and garage door
Normal vs blackout: grid powers all vs battery powers essentials
Essential-circuits backup versus whole-home backup comparison
Common pitfalls and tips for battery backup during blackouts

What actually happens when the power goes out? | Blackout Battery Backup

𓈆↯⁩⁩⁩

Battery

Stores your solar or cheap night power.

⚡︎

Inverter

Turns that stored energy into the electricity your home uses.

⇆

Auto Switch

Detects a blackout and instantly switches to battery.

A good system switches in under a second, so essentials stay on while the rest shut off.

What are “essential circuits”?

The minimum you want running during an outage, usually:

❄

Fridge/Freezer

Keep food fresh

𖡊

Lights

Safety and comfort

ᯤ

Wi-Fi/Internet

Stay connected

☐

Garage door

Keep access

How backup switching works

⚡︎ ➡ ⌂

Normal operation

Grid powers the whole home.

⚡︎ ✖ 𓈆 ➡ ⛉

During blackout

Battery takes over essential loads instantly.

Whole-home vs Essential Circuits

⛉ Essential Circuits Backup

✔ Lower cost & longer battery life

✔ Covers 95% of actual needs

✔ Simpler install

Best for: Families who want reliable blackout protection at lower cost

Whole-Home Backup

✔ All appliances stay on

✔ Maximum convenience

ⓘ Much higher cost, bigger battery required

Best for: Homes that want zero compromise during outages

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

⚠︎ Running big appliancesHigh-power loads like ducted air-con or hot water drain batteries fast.

Tip: Prioritise essentials first.

⚠︎ Not splitting circuitsWithout separation, you can’t choose what stays on.

Tip: Have an electrician clearly mark and separate essential circuits.

⚠︎ Poor battery placementBad clearance or drainage can shorten life and break safety codes.

Tip: Ensure ventilation, shade, and protection from water damage.

Key takeaway

A battery won’t keep everything on forever—but it can keep the essentials running, save you stress during blackouts, and give you peace of mind. | Blackout Battery Backup

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