Anyone who has had to take on home improvement jobs of a serious scale understands the unique challenges of working a remodeling jobsite. Powerful tools, high-intensity work lights, extractors, and battery banks must all be charged.
Until recently, there were only two options when it came to bringing energy to a jobsite: webs of extension cords snaking through the client’s home or a gas-guzzling generator roaring outside the walls.
Both options have serious drawbacks: extension cords are a tripping hazard and a fire risk, and generators are loud, emit noxious fumes, and can burn through fuel at an astonishing rate.
New battery technologies have brought about a revolution in power stations. Commercial grade battery packs are quickly replacing older power generation techniques. Get the right heavy duty power station and you’ll keep your tools running, your battery packs charged, and your project on time.
Power Station Jobsite Basics
Before looking at the specifics of power output, let’s look at some of the conditions that a jobsite battery pack must be able to handle:
Dust and Particle Inhalation
Power tools, concrete grinding, and drywall sanding generate copious amounts of dust. Consumer grade battery packs usually have some sort of cooling vents, but no filtration system. These can become clogged and cause serious damage to the internal components. A properly sealed battery case is a must when it comes to jobsite electronics.
Rain, Moisture, and Humidity
Work on decks, roofs, additions, or other projects that require working outside can be done in any weather. Rain, high humidity, and even condensation can wreak havoc on delicate electronics. A properly waterproofed Waterproof Power Station is an absolute necessity for anyone working in inclement conditions.
Essential Power Station Specs for Demanding Jobsites
A commercial grade power station must be able to do more than simply power a cell phone: it must supply the jobsite with consistent power throughout the day. Here are some of the most important specs to look for in a jobsite battery:
1. High-Output Power Inverter (5,040Wh Capacity + 5,000W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter)
On a jobsite, it’s rare for only one tool to be in use at a time. A table saw, miter saw, shop vacuum, and battery charger may well all be in use at the same time. Luckily, with a pure sine wave inverter, and massive 5,040Wh battery capacity, this industrial battery has no trouble handling the demands of the modern jobsite.
The 5,000W AC pure sine wave inverter (surge up to 7,000W) makes it possible to run a large array of power tools and equipment. Pure sine wave technology replicates the power output of a standard wall outlet. Many modern tools, laser levels, and surveying equipment utilize sensitive electronics that are prone to damage from dirty power. The pure power output from this inverter means that the delicate electronics in your power tools will stay safe and sound.
2. Quick Recharge Times (Fully Rechargeable in Just 1.5 Hours)
Every hour spent waiting for a battery to recharge is an hour spent not working. Most large-scale battery banks take between 8-12 hours to fully recharge, meaning that if you’ve spent half a day using the battery, it’ll be completely dead the rest of the day.
With a max input of 3,900W, this industrial battery will fully recharge in only 1.5 hours. If you plug the battery in for a lunch break, you can have a fully charged battery waiting for use when you return from your break.
3. Modular Power Station with Up to 45.36kWh Capacity (Uses Up to 8 B5 Expansion Battery Packs)
When it comes to power stations, size does matter. You want a battery that will give you enough power to finish the job, but not so large that you waste time and money on unused energy.
The right battery for the job can be found by linking up to 8 B5 Expansion Battery Packs to the main 5,040Wh base unit, providing up to 45.36kWh of power. That’s enough to power an active jobsite for days at a time.
4. Smart HD LCD Display (Shows Remaining Battery Capacity, Input/Output Wattage, and More)
Knowing when you have enough battery power to finish the job at hand is essential. It’s no fun waiting until the last minute to discover that you only have enough battery power to run a circular saw, but plenty of time to ruin a delicate sheet of hand-scraped hardwood flooring.
With the Smart HD LCD Display, you’ll always know how much battery power you have. At a glance, the display shows the following information:
- Current battery capacity
- Current input power (watts)
- Current output power (watts)
- Estimated hours of battery life remaining
These features allow you to keep tabs on tool usage and better plan your battery charging needs.
6 Ways to Charge the Battery – For Maximum Versatility
If the battery can’t be charged, it’s no longer very useful. That’s why a commercial grade power station needs a variety of input options. An Industrial Power Station offers 6 different ways to charge, making it remarkably versatile for any jobsite:
- Standard AC Grid Charging – For charging before heading to the jobsite.
- Solar Charging – Great for charging on remote worksites, or during outside work such as on decks and rooftops.
- Vehicle Recharging – For topping off the battery while traveling to a new jobsite.
- AC + Solar Input – Combine the two power sources for maximum charging speed.
- Gas Generator Fast Charge – Run a gas generator for a short period of time to rapidly charge the battery. Turn the generator off and enjoy the benefits of a silent, emission-free power source for the remainder of your shift.
- EV Charging and Heavy-Duty Anderson Inputs – Many urban areas offer EV charging stations for use by the general public. Industrial power stations also have heavy-duty Anderson connectors available for jobsite use.
Battery Life & Longevity – LiFePO4 Chemistry
When you buy a commercial grade power tool, you’re making a sizable investment. Lower-grade lithium batteries that are common to many consumer electronics have a fairly short lifespan compared to the tools they power.
Industrial battery packs typically use LiFePO4 battery cells for superior performance and longevity. These advanced battery cells contain the following benefits over standard lithium batteries:
- Over 3,500 Cycles to 80% Capacity – Assuming you fully discharge and recharge this battery every single day, this battery will still maintain an impressive 80% capacity after nearly 10 years of daily use.
- Safer Chemistry for Improved Stability – LiFePO4 is generally considered to be a safer battery chemistry compared to other lithium battery types. This means that the battery is less likely to experience thermal runaway and other hazardous events. It can be safely stored in enclosed spaces such as homes, basements, or work vans containing flammable materials.
Essential Jobsite Protection: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
During a major remodeling project, the main circuit breaker for the structure is often turned off for much of the work duration. Circuit breakers can also be tripped accidentally or temporarily turned off by the utility company without warning. Many delicate worksite tools and computers can be damaged by a sudden power loss.
The good news is that with a built-in uninterruptible power supply (UPS), an Industrial Power Station can provide emergency battery backup to power-sensitive equipment like tools, laser measuring instruments, and computers.
The built-in 2,200W Max UPS function allows this power station to serve double-duty as a smart surge protector and power buffer for delicate worksite equipment. Whenever the main power source is cut off, the built-in battery senses this change within milliseconds and seamlessly takes over to supply power to your tools and equipment.
Practical Applications: How Can I Use This Power Station?
Now that we’ve gone over many of the basic features of this jobsite battery, here’s a short list of how it can be used across various remodeling scenarios:
Interior Jobs
Interior jobs that require running extension cords through carpeted hallways, up and down stairs, and across doorways can utilize a compact power station set up in the room where the work is being done. This eliminates the need for long extension cords that can be a tripping hazard for contractors, homeowners, and pets. In addition, the work area can be kept free from damaged cords, and the high-power battery pack can provide power exactly where and when it’s needed.
Exterior Worksites
Working on decks, roofs, and other exterior worksites usually involves running extension cords through thick lawns, across wet pool decks, or other harsh conditions. Extension cords have a tendency to sag, fray, and generally wear out over long distances. By placing a Waterproof Power Station on the outside worksite, shorter, more durable extension cords can be used. The power station will supply the tools with clean power, without the loss of power over distance that is seen with standard extension cords.
Rewiring Projects
Rewiring an entire home or apartment, or upgrading the main service to a structure requires turning off the main power to the house or apartment. Setting up a gas generator outside the structure to run work lights and battery chargers is incredibly noisy and pollutes the air for the homeowners. By setting up a large power station inside the structure, the work area can have proper illumination, and battery packs can be charged without the annoyance of the gas generator.
Time = Money: Boosting Contractor Efficiency
For commercial contractors, every minute spent on non-billable work is a minute that could be spent on another job. Keeping track of time spent on non-revenue generating work can help identify areas where work can be streamlined, and unnecessary work eliminated.
Here’s how a jobsite battery can help:
- Fewer Limitations from Noise Ordinances – By utilizing a near-silent battery, noise restrictions are minimized, letting crews begin and end work earlier in the day.
- Increased Equipment Lifespan – Pure sine wave power helps keep the delicate electronics and motors in your power tools from burning out.
- Increased Safety – A battery pack eliminates the risk of gas leaks, and the emissions from gas generators are toxic and pose a health risk to the job site personnel and the client.
Modern jobsites demand clean power, efficiency, and equipment longevity. Investing in an industrial power station gives your business the ultimate edge on every project.