6 Tips for Buying Portable Power Units

6 Tips for Buying Portable Power Units

Portable power units can help with everything from trains to airplanes. But what if you’ve never purchased one before? What if you don’t know the difference between a lithium and lead-acid power source? Here are just six tips for choosing the right kind of portable power unit.

1. Do Your Homework

What kind of unit do you need? Are you looking for ground power or something that can be used to kick-start a turbine engine? While portable power units have a lot of the same basic features, they can be very different when it comes to their specialized processes.

2. Understand Your Brands

Some brands are known for their durability. Others are notorious for being overpriced. While you shouldn’t make your final decision based on brands, names like Start Pac are a good place to start if you aren’t familiar with power units in general.

3. Look at the Battery

The battery is one of the most important parts of your portable power unit. How long will it last? Is it a lithium battery? How much power can it keep supplying to the machine? Get very familiar with the specs and capabilities of power unit batteries.

4. Think About Voltage

Voltage is another important consideration when it comes to power. For example, 24 volts might not be as strong as 28 volts, but it might handle repeated starts better than bigger, more powerful units. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to voltage; it’s all up to you.

5. Ask About Warranties

The good brands will keep you covered for years. The acceptable brands will limit you to one or two. Don’t go for any coverage lower than that; there’s always an adjustment period with a power unit, and you’ll want the freedom to return it if it doesn’t get any better after a few months.

6. Give Yourself a Price Range

Last but certainly not least, you won’t want to break the bank when buying a portable power unit. You’ll also need money for maintenance and repair costs on top of the listed price. Decide in advance how much you can afford to spend on a unit before you sign any contracts.

These are just six things to keep in mind the next time you’re in the market for a portable power unit. Whether you’re into aviation or rocket building, these guidelines should be enough to help you make a smart purchase decision.